Experimental Design for statistics - Essay Example

Question Introduction During pregnancy, mothers are advised on things to do and others which should not be done. For example eating certain types of fish may have harmful effects to the subsequent growth of the child’s brain. According to Arlene, E et al. (1986), fish concentrate methyl mercury which is affects the developing childs brain. Significance of the study This is a study whose objective is to examine for further evidence whether the consumption of fish during pregnancy really has affects on the child’s brain development.

It is expected to take about 13 years. Sample selection Pregnant women will make up the sample for this study. They will be required to be in the first month of the pregnancy so that they can be monitored from early stages in their pregnancy development. Fresh mothers will not be required to take part in this study but only mothers who have at least one other child. A sample of about 200 mothers will be selected for this study. The sample will be representative of all the population.Measurements Mothers will have their blood pressure measured to ascertain that they are healthy to take place in this study.

The child’s brain development will be measured using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which measures the brain and behaviour development. This will be done as the child grows, probably up to 12 years. Further, the kids will have their IQ tested through simple tasks, their social behaviors and their computation skills. All this measurements will be recorded and put into a computer package for analysis. Comparisons to be made Based on the kind of fish his/her mother was consuming, the level of the IQ, their social behaviours and computing skills will be compared.

The level of the MRI will say whether that certain kind of fish will have detrimental effects.Ethical issues Pregnant mothers are classified as vulnerable people thus; their protection from harm will be a priority. Further, their privacy will be protected to the highest level. Also, they will be taken through all the information concerning this study so as to make an informed decision about taking place in the study. No coercion will be used at all.Question 2The proportion for clinically medical difference is p1= .

2 and that for literature review is p2= .4Formula is n = (Z2 p q)/e2 …………………………………….i= ((1.962)*(.2) (.8))/(.052)Thus, for the clinical difference, the number of patients will be, n = 246 And for literature review, using equation i, = ((1.962)*(.4) (.6))/(.052)n = 367367 patients will be needed for that survey.Reference:Arlene, E et al. (1986). What to eat when expecting. Workman Publishing Company. Retrieved November 12, 2007, from http://www.bygpub.com