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Information and IdeasHardComparing two randomly formed groups

Information and Ideas practice question

Average time to solve a puzzle, with participants assigned at random to one of two conditions: With music playing: 8.5 minutes In silence: 6.0 minutes

A researcher claims that participants solved the puzzle faster in silence. Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the claim?

  1. A. Participants in silence averaged 6.0 minutes compared with 8.5 minutes for those with music, and the groups were formed at random.Correct
  2. B. Participants with music playing averaged 8.5 minutes.
  3. C. The two groups were formed at random.
  4. D. Both groups solved the puzzle in under ten minutes.

Answer: A. Participants in silence averaged 6.0 minutes compared with 8.5 minutes for those with music, and the groups were formed at random.

The claim is a comparison; choice A gives both averages and the random assignment that makes the comparison fair.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Participants with music playing averaged 8.5 minutes.
One time, no comparison.
C. The two groups were formed at random.
The design detail without the result.
D. Both groups solved the puzzle in under ten minutes.
True but irrelevant to which group was faster.

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