Reference no: EM132851754

As dogs age, diminished joint and hip health may lead to joint pain and thus reduce a dog's activity level. Such a reduction in activity can lead to other health concerns. A study is to be conducted to see which of two dietary supplements, glucosamine or chondroitin, is more effective in promoting joint and hip health and reducing the onset of canine osteoarthritis. Researchers will randomly select a total of 300 dogs, including 5 different breeds, from 5 different large veterinary practices around the country. All of the dogs are more than 6 years old and their owners have given consent to participate in the study. Changes in joint and hip health will be evaluated after 6 months of treatment.

Part A: Rather than using a completely randomized design, one group of researchers proposes blocking on clinics while another group of researchers proposes blocking on breed of dog. How would you decide which one of these two variables to use as a blocking variable?

Part B: Outline a completely randomized block design that you chose for part A. Make sure to include description of how treatments will be randomly assigned.