Question

read the following scenario. researchers wanted to test whether herbal supplements help prevent symptoms of common colds. they compared the durations of cold symptoms for people who regularly took herbal supplements with those for people who did not. the data showed a statistically significant shorter duration of cold symptoms for people who regularly took herbal supplements. which of the following statements make valid conclusions from the given information? check all of the boxes that apply. the use of herbal supplements reduces the duration of cold symptoms. there is a correlation between herbal supplement use and shorter duration of cold symptoms. the data was analyzed correctly. no conclusion can be made since the data only gave a statistical likelihood. done

Explanation:

1. For "The use of herbal supplements reduces the duration of cold symptoms": The study is observational (comparing two groups, not a controlled experiment with random assignment), so we can't definitively say it's a causal reduction, but the statistically significant result suggests a potential causal link, and it's a reasonable conclusion from the data's association.
2. For "There is a correlation between herbal supplement use and shorter duration of cold symptoms": Since the data showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (users and non - users), this indicates a correlation (an association) between herbal supplement use and shorter cold symptom duration.
3. For "The data was analyzed correctly": The problem states that the data showed a statistically significant result, which implies that the statistical analysis was done in a way that found significance, so we can conclude the data was analyzed correctly (assuming standard statistical analysis procedures were followed as the problem doesn't indicate otherwise).
4. For "No conclusion can be made since the data only gave a statistical likelihood": The statistical significance gives us a basis for making conclusions (about association or potential causation), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

• The use of herbal supplements reduces the duration of cold symptoms.
• There is a correlation between herbal supplement use and shorter duration of cold symptoms.
• The data was analyzed correctly.