Main Answer:
27. The studies that best test the researcher's hypothesis are a) II and d) V.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) II and d) V.
Step-by-step explanation:
The researcher's hypothesis suggests that athletes who train at a high altitude before competing at a low altitude will have greater endurance due to more effective use of oxygen. Studies II and V directly address this hypothesis. In Study II, the average white blood cell count of runners before and after a high-altitude marathon race provides insights into how altitude may affect the immune system, which is crucial for endurance. Meanwhile, Study V, which compares the concentration of antibodies in people living at high and low altitudes, further explores the potential impact of altitude on immunity and endurance.
Study II examines a relevant aspect of the circulatory system—white blood cell count—before and after a physically demanding activity at high altitude, directly addressing the researcher's hypothesis regarding endurance. On the other hand, Study V delves into the immune system's response by comparing antibody concentrations in individuals living at different altitudes, contributing to the evidence supporting the hypothesis.
These studies collectively help establish that altitude has an effect on immunity, aligning with the researcher's hypothesis. Altitude, as a manipulated variable, is explored in the context of its impact on the ability to clot blood, which is indicative of its broader influence on endurance. The controlled variable, age of participants, ensures a more accurate comparison across groups.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) II and d) V.