Laura is designing a study of the extent to which standardized achievement test scores in high school predict college GPA using a large dataset of 50,000 students. Which of the following potential problems is most important to consider?
A) The sample size may be too small to detect a correlation.
B) The sample size may result in a correlation that is practically unimportant.
C) The variables require the use of a phi coefficient.
D) The sample size may require factor analysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While having a large sample size is generally a good thing, it can also potentially result in finding statistically significant correlations that are too small to be practically important. In this case, Laura needs to consider whether a significant correlation between high school test scores and college GPA is practically meaningful or if it is just a result of having a large sample size. The other potential problems mentioned (sample size too small, use of phi coefficient, and need for factor analysis) are not relevant to the situation described.

Laura Is Designing a Study of the Extent to Which