Chapter 1, Problem 27RP

Comparing Gas Mileages. An experiment is to be conducted to compare four different brands of gasoline for gas mileage.

1. a. Suppose that you randomly divide 24 cars into four groups of 6 cars each and then randomly assign the four groups to the four brands of gasoline, one group per brand. Is this experimental design a completely randomized design or a randomized block design? If it is the latter, what are the blocks?
2. b. Suppose, instead, that you use six different models of cars whose varying characteristics (e.g., weight and horsepower) affect gas mileage. Four cars of each model are randomly assigned to the four different brands of gasoline. Is this experimental design a completely randomized design or a randomized block design? If it is the latter, what are the blocks?
3. c. Which design is better, the one in part (a) or the one in part (b)? Explain your answer.