Answer: The answer is Balls
Step-by-step explanation: Using the six steps of hypothesis testing, the researchers found that the odds ratio was 1.43 with a chi-square value of 8.77 and a p-value of 0.0025.
With an alpha level of 0.05 and a critical chi-squared value of 3.84, the null hypothesis (odds ratio = 1) was rejected. Consequently, it can be concluded that living near a high-hazard dump site increases the risk of low birth weight.
In this case-control study, the researchers set up the null hypothesis as the odds ratio being equal to 1, which means there is no difference in the likelihood of low birth weight between living near high-hazard and low-hazard dump sites. The alternative hypothesis was that the odds ratio does not equal 1, suggesting a significant difference. With an alpha level of 0.05, the researchers chose a 5% chance of making a Type I error (rejecting the null hypothesis when it's true). The study included a total of 8,811 participants.
The odds ratio was calculated to be 1.43, indicating that the odds of having a low birth weight infant were 1.43 times higher for those living near high-hazard dump sites compared to those living near low-hazard dump sites. The chi-square test was performed, yielding a chi-square value of 8.77, and the associated p-value was found to be 0.0025.
Since the p-value was less than the chosen alpha level (0.0025 < 0.05) and the chi-square value (8.77) exceeded the critical chi-squared value (3.84), the researchers rejected the null hypothesis. This decision led to the conclusion that living near high-hazard dump sites increases the risk of low birth weight in the given region.