Selecting an Experimental Design

AP Statistics· difficulty 2/5

Suppose researchers want to compare two diets but suspect age strongly influences weight loss. They have older and younger volunteers.

Volunteers Block: Younger Block: Older Diet A Diet B Diet A Diet B Block by age, then randomize within

Which design would best account for age differences?

  • A

    Voluntary-response survey

  • B

    Randomized block design with age as the blocking variable

    check_circle
  • C

    Convenience sample of older volunteers only

  • D

    Completely randomized design ignoring age

Explanation

Blocking by age separates its effect from the treatment effect, reducing variability and making comparisons more precise.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions