Chapter 5.12, Problem 37E

Refer to Exercise 5.36. Using the reading comprehension data, is there significant evidence that the reading program would produce for incoming freshmen a mean comprehension score greater than 80, the statewide average for comparable students during the previous year? Determine the level of significance for your test. Interpret your findings.

5.36 The ability to read rapidly and simultaneously maintain a high level of comprehension is often a determining factor in the academic success of many high school students. A school district is considering a supplemental reading program for incoming freshmen. Prior to implementing the program, the school runs a pilot program on a random sample of n = 20 students. The students were thoroughly tested to determine reading speed and reading comprehension. Based on a fixed-length standardized test reading passage, the following reading times (in minutes) and comprehension scores (based on a 100-point scale) were recorded.

1. a. What is the population about which inferences are being made?
2. b. Place a 95% confidence interval on the mean reading time for all incoming freshmen in the district.
3. c. Plot the reading time using a normal probability plot or boxplot. Do the data appear to be a random sample from a population having a normal distribution?
4. d. Provide an interpretation of the interval estimate in part (b).