For each of the following research situations, identify the level of measurement of all variables. Also, decide which statistical applications are used: descriptive statistics (single variable), descriptive statistics (two or more variables), or inferential statistics. Remember that it is quite common for a given situation to require more than one type of application.
a. The administration of your university is proposing a change in parking policy. You select a random sample of students and ask each one if he or she favors or opposes the change.
b. You ask everyone in your social research class for their highest grade in any math course and the grade on a recent statistics test. You compare the two sets of scores to see if there is any relationship.
c. Your aunt is running for mayor and hires you to question a sample of voters about their concerns.
Specifically, she wants a profile of voters that will tell her what percentage belong to each political party, what percentage are male or female, and what percentage favor or oppose the widening of the main street in town.
d. Several years ago, a state reinstituted the death penalty for first-degree homicide. Did this reduce the homicide rate? A researcher has gathered information on the number of homicides in the state for the two-year periods before and after the change.
e. A local automobile dealer is concerned about customer satisfaction. He wants to mail a survey form to all customers for the past year and ask them if they are satisfied, very satisfied, or not satisfied with their purchases.