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Identifying the Standard Error

Question:

Previous research studies showed that the mean learning performance of college students is 64 out of 100 when they are presented with static illustrations along with textual information. A researcher is interested in whether using animations instead of static illustrations would increase learning performance. She collects data from 31 college students. The dataset can be found in the Excel file.

Based on the information above, which of the following is the standard error?

  • A. 1.0024
  • B. 2.1668
  • C. 1.8203
  • D. 1.2448
  • E. 1.1813

Answer

E. 1.1813

Step-by-Step Guide to Generate Descriptive Statistics in Excel:

  1. Input Your Data:
    • Enter your data in a single column in Excel. For example, if you have 31 data points, enter them in cells A1 through A31.
  2. Access the Data Analysis Toolpak:
    • Go to the "Data" tab in Excel.
    • Click on "Data Analysis" in the Analysis group. If you do not see this option, you need to load the Analysis Toolpak:
      • Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
      • Select Excel Add-ins in the Manage box, and click Go.
      • Check the Analysis Toolpak box, and click OK.
  3. Select Descriptive Statistics:
    • In the Data Analysis dialog box, select Descriptive Statistics from the list and click OK.
  4. Input Data Range:
    • In the Input Range box, enter the range of your data (e.g., A1:A31).
    • Ensure the Grouped By option is set to Columns if your data is in a column, and check the Labels in first row box if your data includes labels.
  5. Select Output Options:
    • Choose where you want the output to appear by selecting Output Range and specifying a cell (e.g., B1), or choose New Worksheet Ply to have the summary appear in a new sheet.
  6. Check the Summary Statistics Box:
    • Check the Summary statistics box in the Descriptive Statistics dialog box.
  7. Generate the Descriptive Statistics:
    • Click OK to generate the descriptive statistics summary.

Understanding the Output:

  • Excel will generate a table that includes several key statistics such as Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, and Standard Error.
  • Standard Error: The standard error is calculated as the standard deviation of the sample divided by the square root of the sample size. This value is directly provided in the output.

Example:

If your data is in cells A1 to A31:

  1. Go to Data > Data Analysis > Descriptive Statistics.
  2. Select the input range as A1:A31.
  3. Choose your output location.
  4. Check the Summary statistics box.
  5. Click OK.

The resulting table will show the standard error among other statistics, directly calculated and ready for interpretation.

Note:

The standard error you obtain will match one of the options in your question if the dataset provided is used. The standard error is a crucial measure that helps you understand the precision of the sample mean as an estimate of the population mean.