Question

we talked in lecture about different conclusions that can be drawn in a study based on whether the study does or does not include random sampling and random assignment. the figure below was shared as part of this discussion. imagine a study that includes one explanatory variable and one response variable. in the figure below, youll notice the number 1 appearing in one cell of the figure. if the study in question has a structure that aligns with where the number 1 is appearing in this figure, what conclusions should we draw based on this study? we should not generalize the results to the population, nor should we infer that one variable is causing the other. we should conclude the results of the study are statistically significant. we should not generalize the results to the population, but we can infer that one variable is causing the other. we can generalize the results to the population and we can infer that one variable is causing the other. we can generalize the results to the population, but we should not infer that one variable is causing the other.

Explanation:

• Random sampling allows generalization to the population. Since there is no random sampling, we cannot generalize.
• Random assignment allows causal inferences. Since there is no random assignment, we cannot infer causation.

Answer:

We should not generalize the results to the population, nor should we infer that one variable is causing the other.