In Exercises 1 and 2, use the following wait times (minutes) at 10:00 AM for the Tower of Terror ride at Disney World (from Data Set 33 “Disney World Wait Times” in Appendix B).


35 35 20 50 95 75 45 50 30 35 30 30


h. Are the wait times discrete data or continuous data?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data: Discrete data can only take specific values (often integers), while continuous data can take any value within a range.
2. Consider the nature of the data: Wait times are measured in minutes, which can be counted in whole numbers.
3. Determine if the data can take on any value within a range or if it is restricted to specific values: Wait times are typically recorded in whole minutes, not fractions of a minute.
4. Conclude based on the analysis: Since wait times are recorded in whole numbers and cannot take on any value within a range, they are considered discrete data.
5. Reflect on the implications: Understanding whether data is discrete or continuous helps in choosing appropriate statistical methods for analysis.

Key Concepts

Discrete vs. Continuous Data

Discrete data refers to countable values, often integers, where there are gaps between possible values, such as the number of people or items. Continuous data, on the other hand, can take any value within a range and is often measured, like height or time. In this context, wait times are typically considered continuous because they can be measured to any level of precision, even though they are often rounded to the nearest minute.

Data Set Analysis

Analyzing a data set involves understanding the type of data, its distribution, and any patterns or anomalies. For the given wait times, one should consider the range, mean, median, and mode to summarize the data effectively. This helps in identifying whether the data is skewed or if there are any outliers, which can influence the interpretation of whether the data is discrete or continuous.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the level of detail in which data is recorded. In the context of wait times, while the data is presented in whole minutes, the underlying concept is continuous because time can be measured in smaller units like seconds or milliseconds. Understanding this distinction is crucial in determining whether data should be treated as discrete or continuous, especially when considering the nature of the measurement process.