Question

Several high schools participated in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new computer-based math curriculum. In all these high schools combined, there were twelve 24-student sections of freshman algebra available for the study. The computer-based curriculum was assigned to six of the sections, chosen at random from the twelve sections. The standard curriculum was assigned to the remaining six sections. At the end of the term, a standard math achievement test was given to each of the 24 students in each section.

Required:
a. Is this study experimental, observational, or mixed experimental and observational? Why?
b. Identify important factors, factor levels, and/or factor-level combinations.
c. Classify these factors as within- or between-subjects
d. What’s the dependent measures?
e. What is the basic experiment unit of study?

Answer 1

Explanation:

a

the study is experimental as we do not just observe students performance. 2 techniques were also randomly assigned. there is control over teaching techniques and performance is also observed.

b.

these are the 3 factors: high school, instructions type, scores.

high school has 2 levels. level 1, is 3 high school. level 2: each high school has 4 sections and these 4 have 24 students.

instructions type: 1 level divided into standard and computer based.

scores: 0 ( no level)

c.

high school has between subject combination since there are 3 schools and 4 sections.

instructions type has between too. since there are two different types.

we have 24 students in each section which are within subjects.

d.

score on test is dependent variable

e.

student is basic experimental unit.