If you have not done so, please be sure to complete the Unit 9 Learning Activity
If you have not done so, please be sure to complete the Unit 9 Learning Activity, as this learning activity is graded and will help prepare you for the assignment. You will earn 10 points once you complete the activity. You must reach the final slide to receive full credit. You will not earn any points if you do not complete the activity. You may attempt the activity as many times as you wish, but no partial credit will be awarded for partial completion.
Experimental Designs
The Unit 9 Assignment involves identifying different sources of error/bias, how they can affect study results and the conclusions that can be drawn, and ways to work around them.
Assignment Directions
Using the Unit 9 Assignment Template, please respond to the following:
Identify the source of error/bias in each scenario and the best way to work around it, and then respond to the associated question for each scenario.
A common error that people make is interpreting causation from correlation. For example, when X and Y are correlated, people might assume that X causes Y, when there are actually three possibilities. Identify the three different ways that a correlation between X and Y could be interpreted.
Define a confounding variable.
What are the three different ways that a correlation between time spent outdoors and happiness could be interpreted?
What is a possible confounding variable affecting the relationship between time spent outdoors and happiness?
A researcher finds a correlation between smoking cigarettes and stress. What are three different ways that this could be interpreted?
What is a possible confounding variable affecting the relationship between cigarettes and stress?
Assignment Guidelines
The assignment must be written in Standard English and demonstrate superior organization, including a highly developed viewpoint and purpose that is clearly established and sustained. The communication of your thoughts must be highly ordered, logical, and unified, displaying exceptional content, organization, style, and mechanics (including the use of correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure).
This assignment assesses the following Course Outcome:
PS300-6: Describe how error/bias affects conclusions derived from a research study.
Submitting Your Assignment
Use the Unit 9 Assignment Template. Save your file in a location and with a name that you will remember. When you are ready to submit, select the Unit 9 Assignment Dropbox and upload your file. To view your graded work after your instructor has evaluated it, please visit your Gradebook.