Chapter 4.3, Problem 36PB

Science faculty selection of grad students In an experimental study, science faculty (n = 127) from research universities rated application materials of a student. The 127 application folders were identical except that some were labeled male and some were labeled female. A folder was randomly assigned to each faculty member. The application was for a laboratory manager position. The science faculty rated their application folder on the competency of the applicant, how employable the applicant was, and the recommended starting salary of the applicant. It was found that the faculty rated the male application folders significantly higher on competency, being employable, and starting salary. (Source: www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1211286109)

1. a. What is a reasonable statistical question for this experiment?
2. b. Identify the explanatory variable, treatments, response variables (there are more than one), and experimental units.
3. c. Explain why it was important to assign the folders randomly.