BBT 230 – Assignment
Topic:
Mathematical Problems on Statistical Tests
Introduction
Statistical hypothesis testing is an essential tool in biological and biomedical
research. It allows researchers to draw conclusions about populations using
sample data.
Different types of statistical tests are used depending on the research
question, the number of groups being compared, and the type of variables
involved.
Continuous data often require tests such as the Z-test, t-test, ANOVA, or
correlation analysis, while categorical data may require Chi-square or
McNemar tests.
This assignment provides practical mathematical questions covering several
commonly used statistical tests. Students are required to identify
hypotheses, compute test statistics, and interpret the results using a
significance level of α = 0.05 unless otherwise stated.
Instructions
1. For each problem, clearly state the null hypothesis (H₀) and alternative
hypothesis (H₁).
2. Show all calculation steps where applicable.
3. Use α = 0.05 for hypothesis testing unless specified otherwise.
4. Interpret the statistical results in a short conclusion.
5. Submit the assignment in printed or digital format as instructed by your
instructor.
Problems
1. One-Sample Z-Test
A nutritionist claims that the average daily protein intake of university
students is 55 g. A random sample of 36 students shows an average intake
of 52 g. The population standard deviation is 9 g.
Tasks:
1. State the null and alternative hypotheses.
2. Calculate the Z-test statistic.
3. At α = 0.05, determine whether the claim should be rejected.
2. One-Sample t-Test
A pharmaceutical company claims that a tablet dissolves in 20 minutes on
average. A sample of 12 tablets shows a mean dissolution time of 22 minutes
with a sample standard deviation of 4 minutes.
Tasks:
1. State the hypotheses.
2. Calculate the t-statistic.
3. Test the claim at α = 0.05.
3. Independent Samples t-Test
A researcher wants to test whether a new teaching method improves exam
scores.
Traditional Method: n = 20, mean = 68, SD = 8
New Method: n = 18, mean = 74, SD = 7
Tasks:
1. State the null and alternative hypotheses.
2. Calculate the independent t-test statistic.
3. Determine whether there is a significant difference at α = 0.05.
4. Paired t-Test
A doctor measures blood pressure of 10 patients before and after treatment.
Before: 150, 160, 155, 148, 162, 158, 149, 151, 159, 154
After: 142, 150, 148, 140, 152, 150, 143, 145, 150, 147
Tasks:
1. State the hypotheses.
2. Calculate the mean difference.
3. Perform a paired t-test at α = 0.05.
5. One-Way ANOVA
A scientist studies the effect of three fertilizers on plant height.
Fertilizer A: 45, 48, 46, 47
Fertilizer B: 50, 52, 49, 51
Fertilizer C: 55, 57, 54, 56
Tasks:
1. State the hypotheses.
2. Calculate the between-group and within-group variance.
3. Compute the F-statistic and test at α = 0.05.
6. Chi-Square Test of Independence
A survey studies the relationship between exercise and obesity.
Exercise Regularly: Obese = 20, Not Obese = 80
Do Not Exercise: Obese = 40, Not Obese = 60
Tasks:
1. State the hypotheses.
2. Calculate the expected frequencies.
3. Compute the Chi-square statistic and determine if exercise is
associated with obesity.
7. Pearson Correlation Test
A researcher studies the relationship between hours studied and exam
scores.
Hours: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Scores: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
Tasks:
1. Calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).
2. Interpret the relationship between the variables.
8. Spearman Rank Correlation
Five students were ranked in Mathematics and Statistics.
A: Math 1, Stats 2
B: Math 2, Stats 1
C: Math 3, Stats 4
D: Math 4, Stats 3
E: Math 5, Stats 5
Tasks:
1. Calculate the difference in ranks (d).
2. Compute the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.
9. Kruskal–Wallis Test
Three hospitals recorded patient recovery days after surgery.
Hospital A: 5, 6, 7
Hospital B: 7, 9, 8
Hospital C: 8, 10, 9
Tasks:
1. Rank all observations.
2. Calculate the Kruskal–Wallis test statistic.
3. Determine if recovery time differs between hospitals.
10. McNemar Test
A study evaluates whether a new diagnostic test improves disease detection.
Before Positive & After Positive = 30
Before Positive & After Negative = 10
Before Negative & After Positive = 20
Before Negative & After Negative = 40
Tasks:
1. Identify the discordant pairs.
2. Compute the McNemar test statistic.
3. Determine if the diagnostic method changed detection rates.
Conclusion
This assignment provides practice with several important statistical tests
used in biological and biomedical research. By solving these problems,
students will gain experience in selecting appropriate tests, calculating
statistical values, and interpreting results in the context of hypothesis
testing.