Much concern has been expressed regarding the practice of using nitrates as meat preservatives. In one study involving possible effects of these chemicals, bacteria cultures were grown in a medium containing nitrates. The rate of uptake of radio-labeled amino acid (in dpm, disintegrations per minute) was then determined for each culture, yielding the following observations.

7252, 6872, 9638, 6861, 9097, 5849, 8953, 7974, 7067, 7497, 7885, 8174, 7527, 8727, 7464

Suppose that it is known that the mean rate of uptake for cultures without nitrates is 8000.

Do the data suggest that the addition of nitrates results in a decrease in the mean rate of uptake? Test the appropriate hypotheses using a significance level of 0.10. (Use a statistical computer package to calculate theP-value.Round your test statistic to two decimal places and yourP-valueto three decimal places.)

t=

P-value=

State your conclusion.

a. RejectH₀. We do not have convincing evidence that the mean rate of uptake is reduced by the addition of nitrates.

b. Do not rejectH₀. We have convincing evidence that the mean rate of uptake is reduced by the addition of nitrates.

c. Do not rejectH₀. We do not have convincing evidence that the mean rate of uptake is reduced by the addition of nitrates.

d. RejectH₀. We have convincing evidence that the mean rate of uptake is reduced by the addition of nitrates.