A test is conducted to compare three different income tax software packages to determine whether there is any difference in the average time it takes to prepare income tax returns using the three different software packages. Ten different person's income tax returns are done by each of the three software packages and the time is recorded for each. Assuming that results show that blocking was effective, this means that:
A) there are significant differences in the average times needed by the 3 different software packages.
B) there are significant differences in the average times needed for the 10 different person's tax returns.
C) the analysis should be redone using a one-way analysis of variance.
D) the randomized complete block was the wrong method to use.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blocking is used in experiments to account for variability among experimental units (in this case, the ten different persons) that might affect the response variable (time to prepare income tax returns). If blocking was effective, it means that it successfully accounted for differences among the persons, not necessarily differences among the software packages.

A Test Is Conducted to Compare Three Different Income Tax