Question

Dr. Goodwill is concerned that students who are not native English speakers are at a disadvantage when taking a mathematics state standardized test. He also believes that this disadvantage diminishes if students are taught in English-based classes rather than those that offer students instruction in their native language. To test his hypothesis, he examines the 8th grade math test scores of students in regular 8th grade math. Students fall into one of the following categories: (1) Native English speakers, (2) Non-Native English speakers in a class taught in English only, and (3) Non-Native English speakers in a class taught in their native language. The best statistical test to use in this situation would be a/an:

1) independent-means t-test
2) dependent-means t-test
3) F-test (ANOVA)
4) one mean z-test

Answer 1

The best statistical test to use in this situation would be an F-test (ANOVA).

Step-by-step explanation:

The best statistical test to use in this situation would be a F-test (ANOVA).

1) This test is appropriate because there are three groups being compared (native English speakers, non-native English speakers in a class taught in English, and non-native English speakers in a class taught in their native language).

2) ANOVA allows for the comparison of means across multiple groups and determines if there is a significant difference between at least one pair of means.

By using this test, Dr. Goodwill can analyze the data and draw conclusions about the effect of language of instruction on math test scores.