Is the academic preference different
             FOR Males compared to females
They say boys like math and science and girls like social studies and English.
Is it really true?

Created by Alyssa Lawrence and Bryan Beatrez in the spring of 2011.

 

The Study

 

Sampling

  • Population of interest - The entire study body at North Olmsted High School which includes approximately 1500 students.
  • Sample - We sampled 75 males and 75 females from north Olmsted High School.  Obtaining our sample took a few steps.
    • First, we obtained a list of all the students currently enrolled at North Olmsted.
    • Then, we split the list into two separate lists.  One for males and one for females.
    • Next, we put the lists into Minitab and used the "Sample from Columns" function, drawing 75 names from each of the two lists.
    • After that, we looked up each student's schedule, picked a study hall is available, and sent the survey to the teacher to distribute to the students.
    • Finally, we received the surveys back from Mrs. Caso once completed.

 

Survey

The following survey was distributed to all of the students:

Survey

Gender:            [gender prefilled]*

Which one of the following combinations of academic classes do you enjoy the most? (only choose 1 combination please):

Social Studies & English                   Mathematics & Science

Thank you for your participation in this survey!

 

* Note: the gender was prefilled with either male or female.  The student was not able to select this field.

 

Hypothesis test

Chi-Squared Test (Two-Way table)

π = the true proportion of high school students by gender who prefer mathematics & science or social studies & English

Ho: Proportions in each response category are the same for males and females.

Ha: At least one of the proportions varies.

α = 0.05

Assumptions: All expected cells counts are greater than 5*, sample was randomly selected

*See the graphs page under more links for expected cell counts

=  10.121 at 1df

P-Value = 0.001

Conclusion: We reject the null hypothesis at any reasonable level of significance because α > p-value.  Therefore, we have sufficient evidence to say that the academic preference varies between high school males and females.