Tasks
(1) Formulate your research question
Your research question (RQ) should involve a comparison of samples drawn from two or more populations. You can scan newspapers, journals, online articles and data sites for “inspiration” or support your RQ; just remember to reference. Some examples of RQs:
- Is there a difference in the mean BMI of male and female adults?
- Is there a difference in the average resting heart rate of the youth, the middle-aged and the seniors?
- Are the typical life expectancies of Chinese, Malay and Indian different?
- Is there a difference in the average night temperature between Yishun, Pasir Ris, Jurong and Sentosa?
- Are the average trip costs of Grab, Comfort and City Cab the same?
(2) Plan and collect data
How are you going to obtain your data? You may source for existing data, or collect your own (by measurement or survey).
What is your sample? What is the population? What is your sampling method?
What is the sample size? What are the types of data collected?
Before actual collection of data, briefly explain your RQ and plan to your tutor to ensure that you are on track.
(3) Analyze your data
- Use Minitab to analyze your data.
- Select the level of significance.
- Check for normality.
- Produce relevant numerical and graphical summaries.
- Perform one of the following hypothesis tests:
- Paired t-test
- Two-sample independent t-test (with F-test for ratio of variances) ANOVA F-test (with Levene’s Test for checking of Assumption 3 on equal variances and appropriate Multiple Comparison Test if applicable)
- What possible errors (Type I/II) could be committed?
You may use other statistical software, but note that your tutor will not be able to advise you on the technicality of the software other than Minitab.
(4) Interpret the results
- With the results, answer your RQ.
- Write an informal report in at most 4 pages, inclusive of graphs.
- Point-form is allowed.
- State references, if any.
