A researcher records the following assessment data: 42 ± 6 (M ± SD).The researcher only wants to sample participants scoring in the top 20% of this assessment.What is the cutoff score for the top 20% in this example?
A) 0.84
B) 47.04
C) 36.96
D) There is not enough information to answer this question.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the cutoff score for the top 20%, we need to use the z-score formula. The z-score for the top 20% is 0.84. 
z-score = (X-M)/SD 
0.84 = (X-42)/6 
5.04 = X-42 
X = 47.04 
Therefore, the cutoff score for the top 20% is 47.04.

A Researcher Records the Following Assessment Data: 42 ± 6