Question

You are planning an experiment to determine the effect of the brand of gasoline and the weight of a car on gas mileage measured in miles per gallon. You will use a single test car, adding weights so that its total weight is 3000,3500, or 4000 pounds. The car will drive on a test track at each weight using each of Amoco, Marathon, and Speedway gasoline. Which is the best way to organize the study?

Answer 1

To study the effect of gasoline brand and car weight on gas mileage, use a factorial design with each gasoline brand tested at each car weight on a test track, ensuring proper controls and consistent conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

To organize an experiment to determine the effect of the brand of gasoline and the weight of a car on gas mileage measured in miles per gallon, a factorial design would be the most rigorous approach. This would involve testing each brand of gasoline (Amoco, Marathon, and Speedway) at each of the specified weights (3000, 3500, and 4000 pounds). The car will drive on a test track at a constant speed for each combination of gasoline brand and weight, and the fuel efficiency will be recorded. Proper controls and randomization should be used to ensure that any variation in gas mileage can be attributed to the changes in gasoline brand and car weight, rather than other variables.

Also, to ensure accuracy and repeatability, make sure that the test track conditions remain consistent across all trials, and that the method of adding weight to the car does not affect its performance beyond the intended increase in weight.

Answer 2

By following these steps and organizing the study with a factorial design, replication, and proper controls, you can systematically explore the impact of gasoline brand and car weight on gas mileage and draw meaningful conclusions from your experiment.

Organizing an experiment to determine the effect of the brand of gasoline and the weight of a car on gas mileage involves careful planning to ensure valid and meaningful results. Here's a step-wise approach to organize the study:

1. Define the Variables:

- Identify the independent variables: Brand of gasoline (Amoco, Marathon, Speedway) and Weight of the car (3000, 3500, 4000 pounds).

- Identify the dependent variable: Gas mileage measured in miles per gallon (MPG).

2. Randomization and Counterbalancing:

- To minimize bias and control for extraneous variables, use a randomized experimental design.

- Implement counterbalancing to ensure that the order of testing and the combination of factors do not affect the results. For example, ensure that each brand of gasoline is tested with each weight, and vary the order of testing.

3. Factorial Design:

- Use a factorial experimental design to systematically explore the interaction between the two independent variables (gasoline brand and car weight) on the dependent variable (gas mileage).

- This means that you will test each combination of gasoline brand and car weight.

4. Replication:

- Replicate the experiments within each combination of factors (brand of gasoline and car weight) to increase the reliability of the results. Repetition helps account for variability and reduces the impact of outliers.

5. Control Group:

- Consider including a control group to establish a baseline for comparison. The control group could use a specific gasoline brand and car weight combination that is considered standard or typical.

6. Data Collection:

- Collect data on gas mileage for each combination of factors. Ensure that the data collection process is consistent and precise.

7. Data Analysis:

- Use statistical analysis techniques, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), to assess the significance of the effects of gasoline brand and car weight on gas mileage. ANOVA will help determine if there are statistically significant differences among the groups.

8. Interpretation:

- Interpret the results to draw conclusions about how different brands of gasoline and car weights impact gas mileage.

- Consider the main effects of each independent variable (gasoline brand and car weight) as well as potential interaction effects between the two.

9. Conclusion:

- Based on the analysis and interpretation of the results, draw conclusions about which brand of gasoline and car weight combination(s) result in the best gas mileage.

10. Report and Publication:

- Document the experimental design, methodology, results, and conclusions in a report. Ensure that the study is well-documented for transparency and future reference.

- Consider publishing the results in a scientific journal or sharing them as appropriate.