Question

To examine whether eating brown rice affects metabolism, we ask a random sample of people whether they eat brown rice and we also measure their metabolism rate.

Short answer

The solution to this exercise is not a simple number or fact, but rather it involves conducting an experiment and interpreting the results. The conclusion of the experiment will depend on the data collected but it's important to remember that correlation does not imply causation.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Variables

Start by identifying the variables in the experiment. In this case, there are two variables: 'eating brown rice' (which can be categorized as 'yes' or 'no') and 'metabolism rate' (which could be measured numerically in various ways).

Organize the Data

Once the data from the sample is collected, organize it in a way that allows for easy comparison. A two-column table could be used, with one column for whether the person eats brown rice and another for their metabolism rate.

Analyze the Data

Once the data is organized, analyze it to see if any trends or patterns are noticeable. For example, if people who eat brown rice tend to have higher metabolism rates, one might interpret this as there being a correlation.

Understand the Limitations

Correlation does not imply causation. Just because there might be a correlation between eating brown rice and having a higher metabolism rate, this does not prove that eating brown rice causes a higher metabolism rate. Other factors might also be in play, and further controlled experiments would have to be conducted to determine causation.

Conclusion

Conclude the study by summarizing the findings. Even if there seems to be a correlation, remember to mention that the study does not prove causation and more research would be necessary to determine this.