Final answer:
To determine if the mean entry-level mechanical engineering salary is lower than the mean entry-level electrical engineering salary, we can use a two-sample t-test.
Step-by-step explanation:
To conduct a hypothesis test to determine if the mean entry-level mechanical engineering salary is lower than the mean entry-level electrical engineering salary, we can use a two-sample t-test. Here are the steps:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): The mean mechanical engineering salary is not lower than the mean electrical engineering salary.
- Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): The mean mechanical engineering salary is lower than the mean electrical engineering salary.
- Calculate the t-statistic using the formula: t = (mean mechanical engineering salary - mean electrical engineering salary) / sqrt((standard deviation mechanical engineering salary^2 / sample size mechanical engineering) + (standard deviation electrical engineering salary^2 / sample size electrical engineering))
- Determine the critical value for the desired significance level.
- Compare the calculated t-statistic with the critical value. If the calculated t-statistic is smaller than the critical value, reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the mean mechanical engineering salary is lower than the mean electrical engineering salary.