In introductory statistics, what does the term “statistic” mean?

• A. A statement that must be true for all possible samples, regardless of how they are collected
• B. A numerical value computed from a sample, used to summarize a characteristic of the sample
• C. The study of probability models and random processes only, without using data
• D. A numerical value that describes an entire population, such as a population mean

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in statistics, a 'statistic' refers to a value calculated from sample data, not from the entire population.
2. Recognize that a statistic is used to summarize or describe some characteristic of the sample, such as the sample mean or sample proportion.
3. Distinguish between a 'statistic' and a 'parameter': a parameter describes a characteristic of the entire population, while a statistic describes a characteristic of a sample.
4. Note that a statistic is a numerical value, meaning it is a number derived from the data collected in the sample.
5. Therefore, the term 'statistic' means a numerical value computed from a sample, used to summarize a characteristic of that sample.