Item C of the Springdale Shopping Survey, introduced at the end of Chapter 2, describes variables 7–9 for the survey. These variables represent the general attitude respondents have toward each of the three shopping areas, and they range from 5 (like very much) to 1 (dislike very much). The data are in file SHOPPING.
Part I: Attitude Comparisons Based on the Gender of the Respondent
1. For variable 7 (attitude toward Springdale Mall), compare the mean scores for respondents according to variable 26 (gender of respondent). At the 0.05 level of significance, could the population means of these groups be the same? What is the p-value for the test?
2. Repeat step 1 for variable 8 (attitude toward Downtown).
3. Repeat step 1 for variable 9 (attitude toward West Mall).
Part II: Attitude Comparisons Based on Education Level
1. For variable 7 (attitude toward Springdale Mall), compare the mean scores for respondents according to variable 27 (education category). At the 0.05 level of significance, could the population means of these groups be the same? What is the p-value for the test?
2. Repeat step 1 for variable 8 (attitude toward Downtown).
3. Repeat step 1 for variable 9 (attitude toward West Mall).
Part III: Some Further Comparisons
Given the number of classificatory variables in this database, a great many other comparisons can be made among sample means. For example, variables 10–17 indicate which shopping area the respondent feels is best in terms of possessing a specific, desirable attribute. As just one example, compare the means for variable 7 (attitude toward Springdale Mall) for groups classified according to variable 11 (shopping area having the highest-quality goods). Depending on your time, curiosity, and computer access, you may wish to try some of the many other classificatory variables in selecting groups and comparing attitude scores.