The purpose of this research was to apply statistical pro cedures to macroeconomic data in the United States, to test hypotheses related to the unemployment rate. A total of six hypotheses were formulated and tested. These hypotheses were stated as follows:
1. It is hypothesized that the rate of civilian unem ployment in the United States changes linearly and inversely to changes in the gross national product.
2. It is hypothesized that changes in the unemployment rate are more extreme for nonwhites than for whites.
3. It is hypothesized that changes in the unemployment rate are more extreme for females than for males.
4. It is hypothesized that changes in the unemployment rate are more extreme for persons under the age of 20 years 1
old in the economy than for those persons aged 20 years old and older.
5. It is hypothesized that changes in the unemployment rate are more extreme for part time workers than for full time workers.
6. It is hypothesized that changes in the unemployment rate are more extreme for inexperienced workers than for exper ienced workers.
Seven variables were involved in the testing of the hypo theses. Five of these variables were qualitative, and the remaining two were quantitative. These variables were as fol lows:
a. Race: (1) white; and (2) nonwhite.
b. Sex: (1) male; and (2) female.
c. Age: (1) aged 20 years old and older; and (2) under 20 years old.
d. Employment status: (1) full time; and (2) part time.
e. Work experience: (1) experienced; and (2) inex perienced.
a. Unemployment rate (expressed as both a percent of the workforce, and as a year to year change.
b. Change in the gross national product (percent).
The required data were obtained from Economic Indicators, a statistical publication of the United States government (Council of Economic Advisers, 1989). The data were analyzed and the hy...