Statistics question need help

[statisticsisawesome]

2.2 What’s the design?
Read the brief description related to a statistical study below, and
Runners recovering from lower leg fractures were randomly allocated to three different training programs. Half of each group also followed a high calcium diet. Bone density measurements were taken for all subjects. Also:

a) explain why it is an experiment rather than an observational study.
It is an experiment since we apply treatments to the group and record the effects. In this case, the recovering runners were allocated to the training programs and half of each group followed a high calcium diet, and the bone density measurements were taken for all subjects

b) identify the factor(s) in the experiment and the number of levels for each.
training programs is the factor, and it has 3 levsls
high calcium diet is the factor, and it has 3 levels


c) give the total number of treatments.
2

d) state the response variable(s) measured.
bone density measurements

e) explain whether it was blind, or double-blind
Not sure of this one
Can someone please verify if my answers to part a,b,c and d are correct?
And have I have help with part e?
Thanks

 

[statisticsisawesome]

Can I please have some help with the above question?

 

[Cubist]

I'm not an expert in this field but I'll try to help.

I agree with your answer to a)

b) identify the factor(s) in the experiment and the number of levels for each.
training programs is the factor, and it has 3 levsls
high calcium diet is the factor, and it has 3 levels

I just looked up the meaning of the words"factor", "levels", and "treatment" on this page. I agree that training has 3 levels. But doesn't calcium diet have only two levels? The person has either been given the diet, or they have not. Please feel free to argue the case for 3 if you think I'm wrong!

c) give the total number of treatments.
2

I think this is wrong. See the example given on the linked page above

d) seems correct

e) explain whether it was blind, or double-blind
Not sure of this one

Blind and double-blind experiments both attempt to keep the treatment secret from the recipient. This can help to eliminate personal bias/ placebo effects from the result. Does the description mention anything about this? Would it be possible for either of the 2 factors be kept secret from the recipients?