A randomized trial tested the effectiveness of diets on adults. Among 40 subjects using the Weight Watchers diet, the mean weight loss after one year was 3.0 lb with a standard deviation of 4.9 lb. Among 40 subjects using the Atkins diet, the mean weight loss after one year was 2.3 lb with a standard deviation of 4.8 lb.
a. Construct a 95% confidence interval estimate of the difference between the population means. Does there appear to be a difference in the effectiveness of the two diets?
b. Use a 5% significance level to test the claim that there appears to be a difference in the effectiveness of the two diets.