Question: In a previous practice assignment, you learned about a study in which volunteers (who were all around 30 years of age) from the Chicago area

In a previous practice assignment, you learned about a study in which volunteers (who were all around 30 years of age) from the Chicago area wore light sensors to measure their exposure to sunshine. It was found that those who experienced more daylight had lower body mass indexes (BMIs). The study was observational. It was not an experiment, so conclusions about cause and effect could not be made. Let's redesign the observational study described above into an experimental study. Part A: What is the explanatory variable for the new study?

  • Age
  • Body mass index
  • Sunshine exposure

Part B: What is the response variable in the new study?

  • Sunshine exposure
  • Body mass index
  • Age

Part C: In experiments, we divide people into groups and apply treatments to each group. How should we create these groups in the new study?

  • By grouping people according to their BMIs
  • By randomly assigning people to groups
  • By grouping people by how much time they spend in the daylight

Part D: As we apply treatments to the groups, we manipulate the explanatory variable. How should this be done in the new study?

  • By giving each member a light sensor and observing how much time each group spends in the daylight each day
  • By assigning to each group a specific number of hours each day that they are to spend in the daylight
  • By assigning the groups with higher average BMIs more time in the daylight so that we can see if they lose weight

Part E: After a period of time, suppose that there is no difference in the average BMI from group to group. What would be the best conclusion?

  • There is no evidence that increased sun exposure contributes to lower BMI.
  • There is evidence that increased sun exposure contributes to lower BMI.
  • There is evidence of an association between amount of sun exposure and BMI.

Part F: After a period of time, suppose that groups who received the most sunlight had the lowest average BMIs. What would be the best conclusion?

  • There is evidence of an association between amount of sun exposure and BMI.
  • There is evidence that increased sun exposure contributes to lower BMI.
  • There is no evidence that increased sun exposure contributes to lower BMI.

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