Skip to content

Course home

Inferential testing (A-level only)

Inferential testing (A-level only)

EasyMedium
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081
Question 60

An agricultural scientist investigated the relationship between the percentage of organic matter in soil (MMM) and the dry weight biomass yield of wheat crops (YYY) in tonnes per hectare. She sampled 16 fields (N=16N = 16N=16) and calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rsr_srs​) between M M\,M and YYY. Her calculated value was rs=0.650r_s = 0.650rs​=0.650.

She concluded that there was a significant positive correlation and rejected her null hypothesis.

Table 1: Critical values for Spearman’s Rho (rsr_srs​)

NNNSignificance level (two-tailed)
0.050.01
140.5440.715
150.5210.661
160.5030.635
170.4850.615
180.4720.597

Note: To achieve significance, the calculated value of rs r_s\,rs​ must be equal to or greater than the critical value in the table.

Define a 'Type I error'. Explain why the scientist believed that the probability of her having made a Type I error was very low.

[4]
Markscheme

Inferential testing (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Inferential testing (A-level only)

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.

Question bank