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Three professors at George Washington University did an experiment to determine if economists are more selfish than other people. They dropped 64 stamped, addressed envelopes with $10 cash in different classrooms on the George Washington campus. 44% were returned overall. From the economics classes 56% of the envelopes were returned. From the business, psychology, and history classes 31% were returned.

a. True
b. False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The probability of money being returned overall is 44%. The probability of money being returned out of the economics classes is 56%. Money being returned is not independent of the class.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the information provided, the probability of money being returned overall is 44% (P(R) = .44). The probability of money being returned out of the economics classes is 56% (P(RE) = .56). The probability of money being returned out of the other classes is 31% (P(RO) = .31).Money being returned is not independent of the class since the return rates differ between economics classes and other classes (P(RE) > P(R)). Therefore, we can conclude that economists are not more selfish than other people based on this study.

Based on the provided information and probabilities, it is evident that the probability of money being returned overall (P(R) = 0.44) differs from the probability of money being returned specifically in economics classes (P(RE) = 0.56) and other classes (P(RO) = 0.31). As the return rates vary significantly between economics classes and other classes (P(RE) > P(RO)), it indicates that the act of returning money is not independent of the class.

The higher probability of money being returned in economics classes suggests a greater likelihood of individuals returning money within this group compared to other classes. This conclusion challenges the assumption that economists are more selfish than other people based on the study, as the data implies a higher sense of responsibility or ethical behavior in economics classes. Thus, the study suggests that economists are not inherently more selfish, and class dynamics play a role in shaping individuals' behaviors regarding returning money.

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