scientific theory

Assessment 2 Name: __________________________

Summer 2020

A researcher is interested in the effects of a particular supplement that is reported to increase metabolism over time. He wants to determine if this supplement can be used to help individuals increase their metabolism and lose weight and if so, how much should be taken to achieve maximum results. He assigns individuals randomly to four different groups (double blind). The first group received a placebo. The second group receives 10 mg of the supplement daily. The third group received 20 mg of the supplement daily. The fourth group also received 20 mg of the supplement daily but the dosage was split into two 10 mg doses given twice a day. All participants were consuming approximately the same number of calories and taking no other supplements, had similar BMR’s, and were following the same training and exercise regime. Each participant weighed in once a week at the same time for 6 weeks and the researcher calculated the mean weight loss (in lbs) for each group over this period of time (each data point represents the mean for the group for the week for that specific condition). Here is the data he collected.

Week	Group 1 Placebo (lbs)	Group 2 10 mg/day (lbs)	Group 3 20 mg/day (lbs)	Group 4 20 mg/day/split (lbs)
1	179	185	176	184
2	181.5	185	174	182
3	177	184	172	178
4	175.5	182	168	176
5	174	181	166	171
6	175	180.5	165	169

State the null hypothesis:

__________________________________________________________

State the alternative hypotheses (there are several):

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

What is the independent variable? __________________

What is the dependent variable? __________________

1. Make a LINE graph of mean weight loss (one line for each data point for each condition) versus time. Be sure to label the axes of your graph and to identify units and give your graph a title and provide any other information necessary for your reader to accurately understand your graph.

2. Describe the relationship between Group A and Group B. Describe the relationship between Group C and Group D.

3. Based on your interpretation of the graph you have drawn, comparing Group A and Group B, does the data support your null hypothesis? Comparing Group A and Group D, does the data support your null hypothesis? Explain your rationale.

4. Based on your interpretation of the graph you have drawn, comparing Group C and Group D, does there appear to be a difference in the dosing of this supplement? Explain your rationale.