A researcher wanted to test if there is a relationship between the level of ambient background noise (measured in decibels) and the number of items recalled from a list of random digits.
They tested 25 participants in a controlled laboratory setting, varying the ambient noise level from 30 dB to 80 dB while presenting lists of 15 digits. The digit lists were standardised to ensure they were of equal difficulty.
When writing up the investigation, the researcher represented their data on a scattergram.
Briefly explain how the use of inferential statistics would improve this researcher's investigation.
121 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Inferential testing (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.