New research shows that people are more likely to agree with someone that they b

Question

New research shows that people are more likely to agree with someone that they believe is like them. Scientists at Erie University invited members of the general public to a motivational talk about seizing opportunity and being decisive. The first fifty people to arrive at the talk were given a brief bio on the speaker, indicating that he was from Erie.The next fifty people to arrive were given a bio that said the speaker was from Vancouver. After the talk, participants were given a questionnaire. The group that was told the speaker was from the local area tended to agree with statements such as " When I want something, I immediately go after it," and, " The early bird catches the worm." These results clearly show how ready we are to believe those with whom we think we have something in common.   What type of study was this ? What statistical test should have been used ? Identify the ttwo key variables in the relationship that is being tested. If possible, say which was the independent variable and which was the dependent variable. Rank order the problem(s) with the reporters interpretation of the research.

Explanation / Answer

The type of study is an experiment, in which the experimenter manipulates the independent variable and measures its effect on the dependent variable, if any so that a cause and effect relationship could be established.

The statistical test that could be used is Chi-square test, as rhe values of variables would be catgorical, that is, either the participant would believe the speaker or would not.

Independent variable: it is the Speaker's locality, which is manipulated by the experimenter (fifty articipants were led to believe the speaker is from Vancouver and the other fifty were led to believe that the speaker is from Erie)

Dependent variable: participans' beliefs (they agree with the speaker or not)

A rank order scale’s scores are weighted scores in which items selected first receive a higher value than the next ones in the list. This value is exponential and depends on the number of selections in your rank order scale. In your reports the percentage of all of these values (compared to the total) is shown.

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