The relationship between hospital patient-to-nurse ratio and various characteristics of job satisfaction and patient care has been the focus of a number of research studies. Suppose x =...

The relationship between hospital patient-to-nurse ratio and various characteristics of job satisfaction and patient care has been the focus of a number of research studies. Suppose x = patient-to-nurse ratio is the independent variable. For each of the following potential dependent variables, indicate whether you expect the slope of the least-squares line to be positive or negative and give a brief explanation for your choice.

(a)

y = a measure of nurse's job satisfaction (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more stress and less job satisfaction.

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less stress and more job satisfaction.

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less stress and more job satisfaction.

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more stress and less job satisfaction.

(b)

y = a measure of patient satisfaction with hospital care (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more time with patients and the patients will have more satisfaction with their care.

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less time with patients and the patients will have less satisfaction with their care.

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more time with patients and the patients will have more satisfaction with their care.

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less time with patients and the patients will have less satisfaction with their care.

(c)

y = a measure of patient quality of care

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more time with patients and the quality of care will increase.

We expect the slope to be positive. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less time with patients and the quality of care will decrease.

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have more time with patients and the quality of care will increase.

We expect the slope to be negative. With more patients to nurses, the nurses will have less time with patients and the quality of care will decrease.