Running head: UNIT 4 ASSIGNMENT 1 ANSWER TEMPLATE 1

Unit 4 Assignment 1 Answer Template

Student Name

Capella University
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Unit 4 Assignment 1 Answer Template

The following assignment includes three sections consisting of:

1. z scores in SPSS.

2. Case studies of Type I and Type II errors.

3. Case studies of null hypothesis testing.

Additional notes:

 Answer in complete sentences.

 Follow APA rules for scholarly writing.

 Include a reference list if necessary.

 Save your answers and upload this template to the assignment area for grading.

Section 1: z Scores in SPSS

A z score is typically analyzed when population mean (µ) and population standard

deviation (σ) are known. However, in SPSS, we can still calculate z scores with the grades.sav

data using the sample mean (M) and sample standard deviation (s). To do this, open grades.sav

in SPSS. On the Analyze menu, point to Descriptive Statistics, and then click Descriptives…
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You will be calculating and interpreting z scores for the total variable. In the

Descriptives dialog box, move the total variable into the Variable(s) box. Select the Save

standardized values as variables option and click OK.

SPSS provides descriptive statistics for total in the Output window. SPSS also creates a

new variable in the far right column, labeled Ztotal, in the Data Editor area. Ztotal provides a z

score for each case on the total variable. You are now prepared to answer the following Section 1

questions.

Question 1

What is the sample mean (M) and sample standard deviation (s) for total? You will use

these values in Question 2 below.

[Answer here in complete sentences. Also insert the output from SPSS here. Replace this

prompt and the prompts below, using as much space as necessary to answer questions.]

Question 2

A z score for this sample is calculated as [(X – M) ÷ s]. Locate Case #53’s unstandardized

total score (X) in the Data Editor. In the formula below, replace X, M, s, and ? to show how the

z score in Ztotal is derived for Case #53.

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(X – M ) ÷ s = ?

Question 3

Run Descriptives… on Ztotal. What are the mean and standard deviation of Ztotal?

(Hint: “0E7” in SPSS is scientific notation for 0). Are the mean and standard deviation what you

would expect? Justify your answer.

[Answer here in complete sentences. Also place the SPSS output here.]

Question 4

Case number 6 has a Ztotal score of 1.19. What does a z value of 1.19 represent?

[Answer here in complete sentences.]

Question 5

Identify the case with the lowest z score. Refer to Appendix A in the Warner (2013) text.

Interpret the percentile rank of this z score rounded to whole numbers.

[Answer here in complete sentences.]

Question 6

Identify the case with the highest z score. Refer to Appendix A in the Warner (2013) text.

Interpret the percentile rank of this z score rounded to whole numbers.

[Answer here in complete sentences.]

Section 2: Cases Studies of Type I and Type II Errors

Question 7

A jury must determine the guilt of a criminal defendant (not guilty, guilty). Identify how

the jury would make a correct decision. Analyze how the jury would commit a Type I error

versus a Type II error.

[Answer here in complete sentences.]

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Question 8

An I/O psychologist asks employees to complete surveys measuring job satisfaction and

organizational citizenship behavior. She intends to measure the strength of association between

these two variables. The researcher is concerned that she will commit a Type I error. What

research decision influences the magnitude of risk of a Type I error in her study?

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 9

A clinical psychologist is studying the efficacy of a new drug medication for depression.

The study includes a placebo group (no medication) versus a treatment group (new medication).

He then measures the differences in depressive symptoms across the two groups.

What would a Type I error represent within the context of his study? How can he reduce

the risk of committing a Type I error? How does this decision affect the risk of committing a

Type II error?

[Answer here in complete sentences.]

Section 3: Case Studies of Null Hypothesis Testing

Question 10

You are running a series of statistical tests in SPSS using the standard criterion for

rejecting a null hypothesis. You obtain the following p values.

Test 1 calculates group differences with a p value = .07.

Test 2 calculates the strength of association between two variables with a p value = .50.

Test 3 calculates group differences with a p value = .001.

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For each test below, state whether or not you reject the null hypothesis. For each test, also

explain what your decision implies in terms of group differences (Test 1 and Test 3) and in terms

of the strength of association between two variables (Test 2).

Test 1 (group differences) =

Test 2 (strength of association) =

Test 3 (group differences) =

Question 11

A researcher calculates a statistical test and obtains a p value of .86. He decides to reject

the null hypothesis. Is this decision correct, or has he committed a Type I or Type II error?

Explain your answer.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 12

You are proposing a research study that you would like to conduct while attending

Capella University. During the proposal, a committee member asks you to explain in your own

words what you meant by saying “p less than .05.” Provide an explanation.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

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References

Provide references if necessary. This concludes Unit 4 Assignment 1. Save your answers

and upload this template to the assignment area.

Warner, R. M. (2013). Applied statistics: From bivariate through multivariate techniques (2nd

ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.