Question

Determine whether the number describes a population parameter or a sample statistic. Explain your reasoning.
A survey of 919 college board members found that 89% think that their institution is a good place for members of racial and ethnic minorities. (Source: Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges)

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Understand the definitions of population parameter and sample statistic. A population parameter is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of the entire population, while a sample statistic is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of a subset (sample) of the population. Step 2: Identify the group being studied in the problem. The survey mentions 919 college board members, which is a subset of all college board members. This indicates that the data is based on a sample rather than the entire population. Step 3: Analyze the numerical value provided in the problem. The 89% represents the proportion of surveyed college board members who think their institution is a good place for members of racial and ethnic minorities. Since this value is derived from the sample of 919 members, it is a sample statistic. Step 4: Explain the reasoning. The 89% is not describing the opinion of all college board members (the population); it is based on the responses of the surveyed subset (the sample). Therefore, it is a sample statistic. Step 5: Conclude that the number provided (89%) is a sample statistic because it is calculated from a sample of 919 college board members rather than the entire population of college board members.

비슷한 문제에 대한 검증된 영상 답변:

주요 개념

Population Parameter

Sample Statistic

Sampling and Inference