Course Project Project Examples: t-Test Project
t-Test Project Examples Page 1 of 2
1. The 1-sample t-test
Required elements: one population, one quantitative variable, a specific value for hypothesis
Example scenario:
Population: All 2-bedroom apartments in Lumpkin County
Variable: monthly rent
Research question: Is the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Lumpkin County more
than $600 per month?
Hypothesis and rationale: "I predicted that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom
apartment in Lumpkin County would be higher than $600. A college planning guide stated that
students could probably share a 2-bedroom apartment off campus "for about $600 a month."
Based on casual observation, I believe that on average, this estimate is too low."
2. The matched pairs t-test
Required elements:
a) one quantitative variable and two populations in which individuals can be matched
OR
b) one population and two quantitative variable values for each individual
For both (a) and (b) the hypothesis is about the computed difference between the two related
values
Example scenario for (a):
Populations: All canned vegetables sold at Kroger; all canned vegetables sold at Wal-Mart
Variable: price (*specifically, the difference in price charged for identical items at each store)
Research question: On average, are canned vegetables cheaper at Wal-Mart than at Kroger?
Hypothesis and rationale: "We predicted that on average, Wal-Mart would charge less for the
same canned vegetable item. This prediction is based on the general observation that things
seem to cost less at Wal-Mart."
Example scenario for (b):
Population: All NGCSU students
Variables: rating (1 - 10) of the taste of Coke; and rating (1-10) of the taste of Pepsi (*specifically,
taste tests are conducted "blind" and the difference in ratings is computed for each participant)
Research question: On average, do NGCSU students prefer Coke over Pepsi?
Hypothesis and rationale: " We predicted that on average NGCSU students would rate Coke
better in taste than Pepsi. This prediction is based on the fact that in such close proximity to
Atlanta, the Coca Cola capital, Coke is often the preferred soft drink."
t-Test Project Examples Page 2 of 2
3. The 2-sample t-test (independent samples) Required elements: two populations, one variable
Example scenario:
Populations: 1) All current NFC football players; 2) All current AFC football players
Variable: age
Research question: Is there a significant difference between the average age of NFC players
and AFC players? (by "significant" we mean statistically significant)
Hypothesis and rationale: "We predicted that there might be a difference between the
average age of NFC and AFC players. In recent years, the AFC has been perceived as the
stronger conference; one could theorize that on average, they have older players who are wiser
and more experienced; OR one could theorize that on average, they have younger players who
are in better shape and have more stamina. The purpose of this study is to determine if any such
age discrepancy exists."
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t-Test Project Instructions and Rubric
Project Overview
1. Choose a research question:
a) that can be addressed using a t-test
b) for which you can collect data to analyze
2. Devise a plan to collect your data
3. Submit a project plan form to the instructor and obtain approval
4. Once your research question and data collection plan are approved, carry out your research:
a) Collect data
b) Conduct t-test analysis, using guidelines below
c) Write your results in a report, using the outline given below
5. Turn in your written report using the link in Module 9 of the course Blackboard site.
Data Collection Options: The following are suggestions on where you can collect data.
1. Reliable/reputable websites (e.g., sponsored by the census bureau, professional sports leagues, universities, real estate
agencies, car manufacturers, consumer groups, financial institutions, well- known product manufacturers, restaurants/fast
food companies, weather tracking agencies, county/city/state/federal government organizations, etc.)
2. Visit to one or more locations where item(s) you are researching can be found (e.g., stores to write down prices, rivers
to count turtles, car dealers to write down data about cars, etc.)
3. Other resource by permission (if you have an idea, ask your instructor).
Important Note: ERAU and all other universities have strict policies and approval procedures for any research projects that involve
collecting data from human subjects. There is not time in this course for you to go through that approval process. Therefore, your
project in this course cannot involve directly collecting data from human subjects. This includes conducting surveys.
Project Design
There are 3 project design options for the t-test project, listed below. To see components and examples for each type of project
design, consult the t-test Project Examples Word document or the t-test Project Resources PowerPoint file.
A. The 1-sample t-test (Sample size must be at least n = 40.)
B. The matched pairs t-test (Sample size must be at least n = 40.)
C. The 2-sample t-test (independent samples) (Sample size must be at least n = 50. You may split this across your two
samples; for example, you may have two independent samples of size 25, or one of 27 and another of 23, etc. Although your
independent samples are not required to be identical in size, it is better if the sample sizes are similar.)
As mentioned previously, you will complete a project that requires you to pose a research question that can be answered using a t-test (t-tests analyze quantitative data). The project requires you to collect and analyze data to answer your research question and then turn-in a report on your analysis. Do not be concerned that you do not know much about t-tests, your studies will cover them next week.
Be sure to read all the information pertaining to the t-Test Course Project in the files below. The first file contains complete instructions for the project (in case you want to read ahead). The second has project examples and the third is the project rubric. Remember, Module 5 and Course Specific Resources contain the presentation that gives some data sources and other examples of projects students at other schools have completed. Although you are not required to turn in your project plan at this time, if you have an idea you would like to explore or if you have come across an interesting set of data, ask your instructor if it would be suitable for the project.