Question

Does listening to music while running help runners run

faster? Here are two designs involving a group of 20
competitive runners.
1. Pair the runners by speed. Flip a coin to assign one
runner in each pair to run a 5K while listening to music.
The other runner does not listen to music. Compare
difference (no music - music) in 5K times.
II. Flip a coin for each runner. Let heads = run the 5K
while listening to music. After the runner finishes, we
record their time and they run the 5K again under the
other treatment.
Which matched pairs design is appropriate, if any?
Why?
O Both designs are equally appropriate in this
situation because randomization is used.
O Design I is appropriate because the second design
would confound fatigue with the effect of music.
Design II is appropriate because it allows us to
compare each runner to themselves. This reduces a
source of variability.
O Neither design is appropriate. The best choice is a
completely randomized design.

Answer 1

Design II is the appropriate matched pairs design because it allows for a more accurate comparison of the effects of music on individual runners' times.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, Design II is the appropriate matched pairs design. Design I compares the difference in 5K times between runners who do and do not listen to music, but it does not account for individual differences in speed.

Design II, however, allows each runner to be compared to themselves by randomly assigning them to run the 5K either with or without music. This reduces the source of variability and allows for a more accurate comparison of the effects of music on individual runners' times.