Patients with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) volunteered to be tested for exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) while resting and after a 6 minute walk test. Each subject was measured under each condition, and the order of presentation (resting then walking or the other way around) was randomized. Researchers believe the eNO should be higher while walking than resting for COPD patients. The data are summarized in the table below. Assume each of the distributions of eNO - while walking, while resting, and the differences - is not heavily skewed.
-To what group does this conclusion apply?
A) All patients at this hospital
B) All COPD patients
C) Only those patients who are similar to the ones in the study
D) More information is needed to answer this question

Question

Patients with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) volunteered to be tested for exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) while resting and after a 6 minute walk test. Each subject was measured under each condition, and the order of presentation (resting then walking or the other way around) was randomized. Researchers believe the eNO should be higher while walking than resting for COPD patients. The data are summarized in the table below. Assume each of the distributions of eNO - while walking, while resting, and the differences - is not heavily skewed. 
-To what group does this conclusion apply?
A) All patients at this hospital 
B) All COPD patients 
C) Only those patients who are similar to the ones in the study 
D) More information is needed to answer this question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conclusion applies to patients who are similar to those in the study, as conclusions from studies are typically applicable to populations that resemble the study sample.

Patients with Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Volunteered to Be