When а segment is eliminаted, оnly аvоidable fixed cоsts are considered relevant.
Twо methоds оf teаching stаtistics аre to be compared. Method A (traditional) involves lectures, textbook, and study manuals. Method B (experimental) involves the use of computerized instruction, with each student using the computer whenever s/he pleases for as long as s/he pleases. From the 32 students who enrolled for this course, one-half were randomly assigned to each method. At the end of the semester, a valid achievement test was given to the students in both groups. The results of this study will be used to help decide if Method B should be adopted in place of Method A. The following summary statistics were obtained: Method A Method B n 16 16 Mean 50 57 SD 10 10 Assume the experiment described above was modified as follows: A preliminary assessment of each student's math ability was made. 16 pairs of students were formed. Both members of a pair had very similar scores on the preliminary assessment. One member of of each pair was randomly assigned to Method A (traditional), and the other to Method B (experimental). Why would the experimenter go through this laborious process of creating matched pairs?