Question: You have just conducted a study testing how well two independent variables, daily sugar intake (as assessed by a 25-item eating habits scale) and physical activity (as assessed by a 20-item daily physical activity scale), predicted the dependent variable of blood sugar levels. There were only 17 participants to start with, and 3 of them dropped out prior to having their blood sugar levels assessed. In addition, 2 participants left one item blank on the physical activity scale, and 4 other participants left most of the data on the eating habits scale blank. At their debriefing interview, they said they just couldn't estimate food intake with any accuracy.
a. What will you do with the 3 participants who dropped out just prior to having their blood sugar levels assessed?
b. What are your choices with regard to the 2 participants who left one item blank on the physical activity scale?
c. What are your choices with regard to the 4 participants who did not respond to most of the items on the eating habits scale?
d. Do you recommend using these data at all? If so, how?