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Liquid Water Enhancers? Bottled water, flavored and plain, is expected to become the largest segment of the liquid refreshment market by the end of this decade, surpassing traditional carbonated soft drinks. 35 Kraft's MiO, a liquid water enhancer, comes in a variety of flavors, and a few drops added to water creates a zero-calorie flavored water drink. You wonder if those who drink flavored water like the taste of MiO as well as they like the taste of a competing flavored water product that comes ready to drink. a. Describe a matched pairs experiment to answer this question. Be sure to include proper blinding of your subjects. What is your response variable going to be? b. You have 20 people on hand who prefer to drink flavored water. Use the Simple Random Sample applet, software, or Table B at line 138 , to do the randomization that your design requires.

Step by step solution

01

Define the Response Variable

The response variable in this experiment is the participants' preference ratings for each flavored water. Specifically, the variable would measure how much they like the taste of MiO compared to the ready-to-drink flavored water.

02

Design the Matched Pairs Experiment

In a matched pairs design, each participant will taste both types of flavored water (MiO-enhanced water and the ready-to-drink flavored water). Each participant acts as their own control to account for personal taste preferences. Participants should evaluate both types of water in a random order to minimize order effects.

03

Implement Blinding

To ensure blinding, neither the participants nor the person administering the taste test should know which water is which during the taste test. Use identical cups to serve the samples and label them with codes only deciphered afterward.

04

Conduct Randomization for Tasting Order

Randomly determine the order in which each participant tastes the two types of flavored water. This can be done using a Simple Random Sample (SRS) table. You have 20 participants; assign a random number to each participant to determine who tastes MiO first and who tastes the ready-to-drink water first.

05

Using Simple Random Sample Table

Locate Table B at line 138. Assign a two-digit number between 01 and 20 to each participant. Use the table to draw a simple random sample to decide the tasting order. For example, if using line 138 reveals the numbers 02, 07, 15, then participants assigned these numbers will taste MiO first.

06

Collect and Analyze Data

After the taste test, participants will rate their preference for each water type. Record the ratings. Use statistical analysis to determine if there is a significant difference in preference for MiO versus the ready-to-drink flavored water.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Response Variable

In a scientific study, the response variable is the focus of the research. It is what is measured to see the effect of different testing conditions.
In our matched pairs experiment on liquid water enhancers, the response variable is the participants' taste preference. More specifically, it measures how much they like the taste of MiO compared to a ready-to-drink flavored water.
Participants provide ratings for each of these flavored waters based on their personal taste experiences.

• This response helps us determine which flavor is preferred overall.
• High ratings indicate a more favorable taste experience.
• Low ratings suggest the opposite.

Ultimately, assessing the response variable allows us to analyze whether MiO's taste is comparable to its competitor in the eyes of flavored-water drinkers.

Randomization

Randomization is crucial to eliminate bias in experiments. It involves assigning participants to testing conditions in a way that gives each a fair and random chance.
For the taste test, randomization ensures that any differences observed in taste preference are due to the water enhancers themselves and not other factors.
We use a Simple Random Sample table to help organize the testing order. This involves:

• Assigning random numbers to each participant.
• Using these numbers to determine who tastes MiO first and who tastes the ready-to-drink water first.

The process guarantees that each tasting order is equally likely. This random assignment reduces systemic bias, ensuring that personal taste or anticipation does not affect the outcome.

Blinding

Blinding in experiments keeps participants or experiment conductors unaware of certain aspects to prevent bias in results. In our taste test, blinding involves ensuring that the testers and administrators do not know which type of flavored water they are trying.
This can be achieved by:

• Using identical cups for both samples.
• Labeling the cups with codes only deciphered after the taste tests are completed.

Blinding is vital as it prevents preconceived notions or preferences from influencing the result. If participants or administrators were aware of which drink was MiO, it might affect their perception due to expectations. Therefore, blinding enhances the reliability of the experiment's outcomes.

Taste Test

A taste test is an evaluation method where participants sample various products to determine their preferences. In this context, it compares MiO flavored water to a pre-packaged flavored water.
During the taste test, each participant samples both water types, providing ratings based on their liking. This setup includes:

• Randomized order of tasting to minimize sequence effects.
• Blinded sampling to reduce bias.
• Recording preference scores for each sample.

The taste test is the crux of determining whether the new water enhancer offers a taste advantage or disadvantage compared to existing products. It allows us to systematically measure and record preference differences, which are key in concluding the enhancer's competitive standing.