Question

question #1
the two graduates with the greatest gpa from each of 14 randomly selected law schools were recruited to investigate a new method of preparation for a law exam. for each school, one student was randomly assigned to prepare using the standard method and the other student was assigned to prepare using the new method. at the end of the preparation, all 28 students were given the same exam, and their scores were recorded.
which of the following best describes why a matched - pairs design is an appropriate design for the investigation?
the law schools were randomly selected.
each law school served as a block, and the graduates were paired within each law school and randomly assigned to one of the two methods.
each graduate was randomly assigned to one method.
each method served as a block.
question #2
true or false: an example of a matched pair experimental design is comparing a persons performance on a task before they receive the treatment and after they receive the treatment
false
true

Explanation:

Question #1

In a matched - pairs design, blocks are used. Here, each law school acts as a block. The two graduates (a pair) from each law school are then randomly assigned to the two methods (standard and new). This helps control for the variability between law schools.

• The first option "The law schools were randomly selected" is about the selection of schools, not about why it's a matched - pairs design.
• The third option "Each graduate was randomly assigned to one method" is too general and does not highlight the paired (within - block) aspect.
• The fourth option "Each method served as a block" is incorrect; the law schools (not methods) are the blocks.

In a matched - pair experimental design, we have pairs of related observations. When we compare a person's performance before and after a treatment, the "before" and "after" for the same person form a pair. This is a classic example of a matched - pair design as we are controlling for individual differences (by using the same individual in both the pre - treatment and post - treatment scenarios).

Answer:

Each law school served as a block, and the graduates were paired within each law school and randomly assigned to one of the two methods.

Question #2