Final answer:
To test the hypothesis that there are group differences based on birth order, we can use an ANOVA test.
Step-by-step explanation:
To test the hypothesis that there are group differences based on birth order, we can use an ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test. This test allows us to compare the means of three or more groups. In this case, our three groups are the oldest child, the middle child, and the youngest child.
Step 1: State the null and alternative hypotheses:
H0 (Null Hypothesis): There is no difference in mean Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test scores among the three birth order groups.
HA (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a difference in mean Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test scores among the three birth order groups.
Step 2: Calculate the F statistic:
To calculate the F statistic, we need to calculate the between-group and within-group sum of squares.
Step 3: Determine the critical value:
We can use an F distribution table or a calculator to find the critical value for the given significance level (α = 0.05) and degrees of freedom.
Step 4: Compare the F statistic to the critical value:
If the calculated F statistic is greater than the critical value, we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant difference in mean scores among the birth order groups.
Step 5: Make a conclusion:
Based on the calculated F statistic and the critical value, we can make a conclusion about whether there is a significant difference in mean scores among the birth order groups.