Exploring Experimental Design in AP Statistics

Mr. Young-saver from Skew The Script discusses experimental design, focusing on gender gaps in STEM fields. The lesson highlights the difference between observational studies and experiments, using a Yale study on hiring discrimination as an example. The study involved sending identical resumes with different gendered names to faculty, revealing gender bias in hiring. The video explains principles of experimental design, including comparison, random assignment, replication, and control, and describes how to conduct a randomized experiment. The results showed significant gender bias, prompting a discussion on its implications.

What is the main focus of today's lesson?

• Experimental design and gender gaps in STEM

• Correlation and causation

• Statistical significance

• Data collection methods

What percentage of science paper authors were male according to the lesson?

• 85%

• 65%

• 50%

• 35%

What is one potential cause of gender gaps in STEM fields mentioned in the lesson?

• Geographical location

• Insufficient funding

• Hiring discrimination

• Lack of interest

What is a confounding variable?

• A variable that is purposely manipulated

• A variable that is not controlled in an experiment

• A variable that provides alternative explanations for trends

• A variable that is measured as an outcome

What type of study cannot show cause and effect due to lack of control over confounding factors?

• Longitudinal study

• Experimental study

• Observational study

• Randomized controlled trial

What was the main variable manipulated in the Yale experiment?

• The qualifications of the applicant

• The gender of the applicant's name

• The type of job applied for

• The location of the university

What principle of experimental design involves assigning subjects to treatments randomly?

• Comparison

• Control

• Replication

• Random assignment

Why is replication important in an experiment?

• To reduce the likelihood of differences arising by chance

• To control for all possible variables

• To ensure the experiment is ethical

• To increase the complexity of the experiment

What was the average difference in starting salary estimates between 'John' and 'Jennifer' in the Yale experiment?

• $1,000

• $5,000

• $2,500

• $3,500

What conclusion can be drawn from the Yale experiment regarding gender bias?

• Gender bias is not significant enough to consider

• Gender bias only affects certain fields

• Gender bias is present and affects hiring decisions

• There is no gender bias in hiring