The human resources department of a local company conducted a study to determine if there was a relationship between seniority, measured in months, and job performance, based on the company's annual evaluation data.

Question

Based on the data given, which inference is valid?

Responses
A In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.
B In general, an employee's seniority has no impact on his/her job performance.In general, an employee's seniority has no impact on his/her job performance.
C In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the lower his/her job performance score.In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the lower his/her job performance score.
D In general, the greater an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.

Answer 1

To determine the valid inference based on the relationship between seniority and job performance, we would generally look for a positive correlation if seniority is expected to lead to better performance as employees gain experience.

Given the responses you provided:

A. In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.
B. In general, an employee's seniority has no impact on his/her job performance.
C. In general, the lower an employee's seniority, the lower his/her job performance score.
D. In general, the greater an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.

Without specific data showing a direct correlation, we can't definitively choose one option. However, based on common workplace trends, it's often observed that with increased seniority, employees gain experience and skills that may lead to improved job performance. Therefore, the most likely valid inference would be:

D. In general, the greater an employee's seniority, the higher his/her job performance score.

This response typically reflects the observed trend in many work environments.