Critically evaluate the two scenarios you selected

Critically evaluate the two scenarios you selected based upon the following points:

• Critically evaluate the sample size.
• Critically evaluate the statements for meaningfulness.
• Critically evaluate the statements for statistical significance.
• Based on your evaluation, provide an explanation of the implications for social change.

Use proper APA format and citations, and referencing.

Scenarios

1. The p-value was slightly above conventional threshold, but was described as “rapidly approaching significance” (i.e., p =.06).

An independent samples t test was used to determine whether student satisfaction levels in a quantitative reasoning course differed between the traditional classroom and on-line environments. The samples consisted of students in four face-to-face classes at a traditional state university (n = 65) and four online classes offered at the same university (n = 69). Students reported their level of satisfaction on a five- point scale, with higher values indicating higher levels of satisfaction. Since the study was exploratory in nature, levels of significance were relaxed to the .10 level. The test was significant t(132) = 1.8, p = .074, wherein students in the face-to-face class reported lower levels of satisfaction (M = 3.39, SD = 1.8) than did those in the online sections (M = 3.89, SD = 1.4). We therefore conclude that on average, students in online quantitative reasoning classes have higher levels of satisfaction. The results of this study are significant because they provide educators with evidence of what medium works better in producing quantitatively knowledgeable practitioners.

2. A study has results that seem fine, but there is no clear association to social change. What is missing?

A correlation test was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between level of income and job satisfaction. The sample consisted of 432 employees equally represented across public, private, and non-profit sectors. The results of the test demonstrate a strong positive correlation between the two variables, r =.87, p < .01, showing that as level of income increases, job satisfaction increases as well.