Patient preference. An investigation uses two different methods of nonvolitional muscle function testing to study the effects of parenteral nutrition in debilitated patients. As part of the study, subjects were asked if they preferred method A or B muscle testing

(in terms of comfort). Of the eight patients expressing a preference, seven preferred method A.b

(a) To what population will inferences be made? What parameter will be estimated?

(b) Using intuition, do you believe the current evidence seven of eight is strong enough to conclude a preference for method A in the entire patient population? (Later in the chapter, we will address this question more formally.) Either an affirmative or a negative response is acceptable as long as you explain your reasoning.