Chapter 5.2, Problem 18E

The relationship between hospital patient-to-nurse ratio and various characteristics of job satisfaction and patient care has been the focus of a number of research studies. Suppose x = Patient-to-nurse ratio is the independent variable. For each of the following potential dependent variables, indicate whether you expect the slope of the least-squares line to be positive or negative and give a brief explanation for your choice.

1. a. y = Measure of nurse’s job satisfaction (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)
2. b. y = Measure of patient satisfaction with hospital care (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)
3. c. y = Measure of patient quality of care