Statistical Vocabulary
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Statistical Vocabulary
A probability sampling method was used in this study. Specifically, it took the form of stratified random sampling. This is because the population was divided into three subgroups, otherwise known as the strata where one subgroup was classified as a low frequency at 51.3%wt, the other subset was classified as a high-frequency energy drink user at 10.1%wt, and the other group is the non-users (Arria et al., 2011).
Question one
The sample represents a young adult population, specifically from college students who consume energy drinks. From the study, we are told that data was collected from 1,097 fourth year college students from a public university (Arria et al., 2011).
Question two
From the study, alcohol dependence and energy drink use are the main variables. This is because the researcher is interested in investigating the effects of energy drink use on alcohol dependence. It implies that alcohol dependence is the dependent variable because it is expected to be manipulated by the independent variable, whereas the energy drink use is the independent variable. After all, the researcher can manipulate it to determine the chance of alcohol dependence (Arria et al., 2011).
Question three
In the study, the researchers attempt to investigate the statistical relationship and a correlational relationship. For mathematical relationships, it has been identified that there exists a significantly greater risk for alcohol dependence on higher frequency users. In this case, therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected, and the alternate hypothesis considered. On the other hand, for a correlational relationship, the researchers conclude that weekly or daily energy drink use is associated with alcohol dependence, confirming a correlational relationship (Arria et al., 2011).
Question four
The study takes the form of an experimental research design. This is because the researchers experiment on the high-frequency users, the low-frequency users, and then we have the control group who are the non-users of the energy drinks. As a result, the researchers can manipulate the variables and conclude that the high-frequency users were at a significantly higher risk of alcohol dependence as compared to low-frequency users and non-users (Arria et al., 2011).
References
Arria, A. M., Caldeira, K. M., Kasperski, S. J., Vincent, K. B., Griffiths, R. R., & O’Grady, K. E. (2011). Energy drink consumption and increased risk of alcohol dependence. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 35(2), 365–375. DOI:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01352. x.