Question: Suppose that scores on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) form a normal distribution with m = 500 and s = 100. A high school counselor has developed a special course designed to boost SAT scores. A random sample of n = 16 students is selected to take the course and then the SAT. The sample has an average score of M = 554. Does the course have an effect on SAT scores? Explain.

a. What are the dependent and independent variables for this experiment?

b. Perform the hypothesis test using the four steps outlined in the chapter. Use a two-tailed test with a = .05.

c. If a = .01 were used instead, what z-score values would be associated with the critical region?

d. For part (c), want decision should be made regarding Ho? Compare to part (b), and explain the difference.