Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Guideline 1 when evaluating a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

To understand the goal, population, and type of study (observational or experiment) before interpreting results.

Question 2

A study claims that '4 out of 5 dentists prefer Brand X toothpaste.' Which guideline should you use to critically evaluate this claim, and what is the main concern?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 2: Consider the source; the lack of details about the survey and possible conflicts of interest.

Question 3

A poll asks viewers to call a paid phone number to vote on whether the United Nations should stay in the United States. Which type of bias is most likely present in this poll?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary response bias

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in a study comparing lung cancer rates in Colorado (high radon) and Hong Kong (low radon)?

Accepted Answer

Differences in smoking rates between the two populations.

Question 5

A survey asks, 'Do you think the death penalty is a heinous and cruel punishment that should not be used?' Which guideline does this violate, and why?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 6: The wording of the question may elicit a biased answer.

Question 6

A study finds that a new diet supplement leads to an average weight loss of $$0.5$$ pounds more than the control group after eight weeks. According to Guideline 8, what should you consider before accepting the supplement as a good treatment?

Accepted Answer

Whether the result has practical significance and achieves the study's goals.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the probability of selecting a representative sample using simple random sampling?

Accepted Answer

$$P = \frac{1}{\binom{N}{n}}$$

Question 8

A study on illegal drug interception claims that only $$10\% to$$ $$20\% of $$drugs are stopped by law enforcement. Which guideline should you use to evaluate this statistic, and what is the main issue?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 4: The variable 'illegal drugs intercepted' is difficult to define and measure.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the importance of peer review in scientific studies?

Accepted Answer

It allows experts in the field to evaluate the research for validity before publication.

Question 10

A survey of the wealthiest $$1\% of $$Americans reports average amounts they would pay for 'true love,' 'great intellect,' and other qualities. According to Guideline 4, what is the main concern with interpreting these results?

Accepted Answer

The variables ('true love,' 'great intellect') are difficult to define and measure.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a step in getting a big picture view of a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Checking for confounding variables.

Question 12

A study finds that most early discoveries of planets around other stars were massive planets close to their stars, even though theory predicts these should be rare. Which guideline helps explain this result?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 3: The sample is biased due to the technology favoring detection of certain planets.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a voluntary response survey?

Accepted Answer

A survey where people choose to participate themselves.

Question 14

If a study's results are presented in the media without supporting evidence from the actual research, which guideline is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 7: Check that results are presented fairly.

Question 15

Which equation represents the calculation of sample proportion $$\hat{p} in a $$survey?

Accepted Answer

$$\hat{p} = \frac{x}{n}$$

Question 16

A study claims that horoscopes are valid because 85% of participants said their horoscopes were accurate. Which guideline is most relevant for evaluating this claim?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 1: Get a big picture view; consider the goal, population, and type of study.

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential issue when participants respond dishonestly to sensitive survey questions?

Accepted Answer

Measurement bias due to inaccurate responses.

Question 18

Which equation would you use to calculate the mean weight loss in a treatment group?

Accepted Answer

$$\bar{x} = \frac{\sum x_i}{n}$$

Question 19

Which guideline would you use to determine if a study's conclusions have practical significance?

Accepted Answer

Guideline 8: Stand back and consider the conclusions.

Evaluating Statistical Studies: Guidelines for Critical Analysis

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