RES/710: Statistical Research Methods And Design I

Wk 6 Discussion 1: Designing Experiments: The Importance of Random Assignment [due Thurs]

Discussion Topic

When comparing groups, researchers need to think carefully about how they set up the study. Decisions about how participants are selected, how groups are formed, and what data are collected all influence the type of statistical test that can be used and whether the results can be trusted.

Read the following scenario:

An HR team wants to know if a new onboarding process improves employee performance. They randomly assign half of their new hires to go through the standard process and the other half to try the new process. After 60 days, they compare average performance scores between the two groups to see if the new approach made a difference.

Based on the scenario above, I need help responding to the following in my own words in three hundred words:

• Why is random assignment important in this situation?
• What kind of data are being collected, and what do they allow the team to compare?
• How could poor sampling or unclear group assignment affect the type of test used or the accuracy of the results?

Note: Must have in-text citations and references

Reference: View of onboarding effects on engagement and retention in the IT sector. (n.d.). https://impactinged.pitt.edu/ojs/ImpactingEd/article/view/220/328

Wk 6 Discussion 2: Did the Training Make a Difference? [due Sat]

Discussion Topic

Before posting in this discussion, complete the Week 6 Excel Practice assignment. You'll analyze whether a training session had a measurable impact on employee performance using an independent-samples t-test.

After submitting your Excel file, respond to the discussion prompt below. You won't be able to view other students' posts until you submit your own.

3:55 AM Wed Nov 19 2 0163% . . . K Carry_Nichols..._tests_dataset Home Insert Draw Page Layout For Q ... Calibri (Body) 11 AA AV General A . . . V fx Enter text or formula here B C D E F G I Training Group Performance Score Trained 85 W Trained 88 Trained 90 UT Trained 87 T Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances 6 Trained 84 7 Trained 89 85.000 90.000 8 Trained 86 Mean 88.111 78.000 9 Trained 91 Variance 4.861 0.00 10 Trained 88 Observations 9.000 10.00 11 Trained 90 Pooled Variance 2.288 12 Untrained 78 Hypothesized Mean Difference 0.000 13 Untrained 78 df 17.000 14 Untrained 78 t Stat 14.550 15 Untrained 78 P(T