Question

For the following scenarios, determine whether or not they represent paired samples.

a. Test scores for students in a biology class taught by Professor Quick are being compared to test scores in a different section of the biology class taught by Professor Quack
b. Pulse rates for students at the beginning of class are being compared to pulse rates for the same students at the end of class.
c. The weights of 10-year-olds in 2009 are being compared to the weights of 10- year-olds in 1994.

Answer 1

A = Not a paired sample

B = paired sample

C = Not a paired sample

Explanation:

Paired samples also commonly referred to as dependent samples are often characterized by having to different data points which are taken at different times, location and so on. Such that each pair of data points or observation can be matched based on the basis of the subject or sample name usually for the sake of analysing if any statistical difference exists between the occurrence of each observation.

For the instances given above ;

a.) this isn't a paired sample, because Professor Quick and Professor Quacks students are different, hence each student has only one reading and as such a match of the two test scores cannot be made on the basis of student name or identity. Hence, it is not a paired sample

B.) This is a paired sample, two different readings are available for each students ; one at the beginning, the other at the end. Hence, it is a paired sample

C.) This is not a paired sample, because the subjects used to obtain the weight of 10 year old in 1994 aren't the same samples used in 2009