St. Algebra College has a problem with attrition. A sizeable number of nongraduating students do not return to classes each semester.

Is attrition importantly related to race, status, or age? For each of the following tables, how strong is the association (if any) between each of the independent variables and attrition? Does the relationship have a pattern? (Calculating SOC SOC percentages for the table will help to answer the second question.) Write a paragraph summarizing the results presented in these three tables.

a. Attrition by race for 532 students enrolled in fall semester:

Race Attrition White Black Totals Returned spring semester 280 100 380 Did not return 105 47 152 Totals 385 147 532

b. Attrition by status for 532 students enrolled in fall semester:

Status Attrition Part-time Full-time Totals Returned spring semester 42 338 380 Did not return 87 65 152 Totals 129 403 532

c. Attrition by age for 532 students enrolled in fall semester:

Age 25 and Attrition 18–24 Older Totals Returned spring semester 307 73 380 Did not return 72 80 152 Totals 379 153 532