Question

A data collection method is described to investigate a difference in means. In each case, determine which data analysis method is more appropriate: paired data difference in means or difference in means with two separate groups. To study the effect of women's tears on men, levels of testosterone are measured in 50 men after they sniff women's tears and after they sniff a salt solution. The order of the two treatments was randomized and the study was double-blind.

Short answer

The appropriate data analysis method for this study is 'paired data difference in means' as the experiment involves the same group of men tested under two conditions.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the groups

Identify the samples or groups involved in the study. In this case, there is only one group of subjects - the 50 men whose levels of testosterone are measured.

Identify whether the data are paired or not

Determine whether the data are paired or not. In a paired study, the same subjects are tested more than once under different conditions. In this case, the same subjects (50 men) are tested twice - once after they sniff women's tears and once after they sniff a salt solution - therefore, the data can be regarded as paired.

Choose the appropriate data analysis method

Choose an appropriate data analysis method based on whether the data are paired or not. Since in this case the data are paired, the appropriate data analysis method would be 'paired data difference in means'.