Question 1

A study compared the mean homeowner insurance claims recorded for those with credit scores above 700 to those with scores within other four credit score ranges defined by the study. What is the term given to the range of scores above 700?

Accepted Answer

The term "reference category" is used in studies to denote a baseline or comparison group, which in this case is the group with credit scores above 700.

Question 2

What does the term "risk factor" refer to, in the context of research? Select the best answer.

Accepted Answer

A risk factor is a characteristic or exposure that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.

Question 3

What does the term "temporal comparison" mean?

Accepted Answer

Temporal comparison refers to the process of comparing outcome values or states across different points in time, rather than comparing to other entities or groups.

Question 4

98.6°Fwas, until recently, taken as the normal temperature of a human body. What is this temperature termed as, in research?

Accepted Answer

The normal temperature of a human body, traditionally taken as 98.6°F, is termed as the "standard" in research, indicating a reference or norm for measurements.

Question 5

What does the term "cutoff' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The term "cutoff" refers to a value that marks a change of status, indicating a point at which there is a shift or transition, often used in contexts where a certain threshold must be met or exceeded for a change to occur.

Question 6

The financial budget of a government stated the intention of improving GDP growth from 1.2% in the year 2020 to 7% in 2025. What is the 1.2% value termed as?

Accepted Answer

The 1.2% value is termed as the baseline rate, which refers to the starting point or current level from which growth or change is measured.

Question 7

Which of the following statements best defines a target?

Accepted Answer

A target is typically a specific value or goal that is aimed to be achieved at a future time point.

Question 8

Historically, the fourth quarter sales of a retail chain contributed 40% of annual sales. What term could be used to describe this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Cyclical patterns refer to phenomena that occur in a predictable, repeating sequence. The fact that the fourth quarter sales consistently contribute a significant portion of the annual sales indicates a cyclical pattern in consumer behavior, likely related to seasonal shopping trends such as holidays.

Question 9

What is the meaning of the phrase "seasonal adjustment?"

Accepted Answer

Seasonal adjustment refers to the statistical process of removing the effects of seasonal events or patterns from data to reveal underlying trends. This is done to make the data more comparable across different time periods by eliminating variations that occur at the same time and in the same direction on a regular basis (e.g., increased retail sales during the holiday season).

Question 10

A researcher analyzing the efficacy of waste management systems in Ukraine, referenced a study published by the United Nations on historical waste management practices by former Soviet Union countries. What is this reference to the UN study termed as?

Accepted Answer

The reference to the UN study is termed as an external standard because it is a reference to a study that was conducted by an external organization (the United Nations) and is used as a benchmark for comparison.

Question 11

How would you define the term "contrast size" used in research terminology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would you define the term "contrast...

Question 12

The values of a numeric independent variable that influences a dependent variable falls within a range of 0.2 and 0.5, with the 50th percentile falling within 0.25. Analyzing the effect of a 1-unit change in the independent variable to the dependent variable would lead to which type of problem?

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a "Goldilocks problem," where the effective range of the independent variable on the dependent variable is within a specific, narrow range (neither too small nor too large, but "just right"), similar to the Goldilocks principle in other contexts. This can complicate analysis because effects outside this range might not follow the same patterns or have the same impact, making it challenging to generalize findings or apply standard analytical approaches effectively.

Question 13

Which are the two primary criteria for choosing a contrast size in a research study?

Accepted Answer

The two primary criteria for choosing a contrast size in a research study are theoretical and empirical. Theoretical considerations involve the underlying theories or models that predict or explain the phenomena being studied, guiding the selection of contrasts to test specific hypotheses. Empirical considerations involve the use of data and previous research findings to inform the choice of contrast size, ensuring that the contrasts are meaningful and relevant to the research question.

Question 14

The number of days required to complete a free online course in American History by registered students is analyzed by the university offering the course. The top 25th percentile of the number of days is compared to the bottom 25th percentile. What type of contrast would you term this comparison?

Accepted Answer

The comparison is between the top 25th percentile and the bottom 25th percentile, which are both empirical measures.

Question 15

Which of the following is often undertaken by researchers when a 1-unit change is too big or too small of a contrast for a numeric independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Re-scaling the independent variable allows researchers to adjust the scale so that a 1-unit change represents a meaningful amount of variation in the context of their analysis. This technique is useful when the original scale of the variable is too coarse or too fine.

Question 16

When conducting a comparison of an outcome to several independent variables, which of the following is considered good practice?

Accepted Answer

Varying one independent variable at a time allows for the isolation of its effects on the outcome, making it easier to understand the relationship between that variable and the outcome. This approach helps in identifying which variables have significant impacts and how they individually contribute to the outcome.

Question 17

In studies that compare monetary values across time periods, for example, years, what type of conversion of the values need to be done?

Accepted Answer

A) Current to constant units conversion is necessary to adjust for inflation and ensure that the values from different time periods are comparable in terms of purchasing power.

Question 18

A study was undertaken to compare house prices of Hong Kong to those in Houston. Other than converting currency rates to a common unit, what else needs to be considered to make a valid comparison?

Accepted Answer

The cost of living index should be considered to account for differences in living expenses between the two cities, which can affect house prices.

Question 19

What does the term purchasing power parity (PPP) mean?

Accepted Answer

Purchasing power parity (PPP) is an economic theory that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach. According to PPP, two currencies are in equilibrium or have equal value when a basket of goods is priced the same in both countries, taking into account the exchange rates.

Question 20

The value of $100 in the year 1980 is valued at $339.81 in the year 2021, after accounting for inflation rates in the United States. What term is used to refer to the amount of US$339.81?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The value of $100 in the year...

Quiz 8: Comparison Values, Contrast Sizes, and Standards