A random sample of females was observed to exhibit a lower average level of self-esteem than a random sample of males.To assess the likelihood that this observed difference reflects a real difference in the average self-esteem of the total population of males and females,you should

A) construct a scatterplot.
B) calculate a correlation coefficient.
C) plot the distribution of self-esteem levels among all males and females.
D) conduct a test of statistical significance.

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SUZANNA HARBUT · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  A test of statistical significance is the best choice because it allows us to determine whether the observed difference in average self-esteem between males and females is statistically significant, meaning that it is unlikely to be due to chance. This will provide the most direct and conclusive evidence for whether there is a real difference in the average self-esteem levels between males and females in the total population. The other options (constructing a scatterplot, calculating a correlation coefficient, plotting the distribution of self-esteem levels) do not directly address the question of whether the observed difference is statistically significant.

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