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Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics
Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition
Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTriola 14th EditionCh. 1 - Introduction to StatisticsProblem 1.1.29
Chapter 1, Problem 1.1.29

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.
Potatoes In a poll sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, 1000 adults were asked to select their favorite vegetables, and the favorite choice was potatoes, which were selected by 26% of the respondents.

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Identify the sample size and the percentage of respondents who selected potatoes as their favorite vegetable. In this case, the sample size is 1000 adults, and 26% of them selected potatoes.
Calculate the number of respondents who selected potatoes by multiplying the sample size by the percentage (in decimal form). This can be expressed as: 1000×0.26.
Consider the potential bias in the poll. Since the poll is sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, there might be a conflict of interest, which could influence the way questions are asked or how the data is interpreted.
Evaluate the representativeness of the sample. Ensure that the sample of 1000 adults is representative of the larger population in terms of demographics and other relevant factors.
Discuss the implications of the results. Even if 26% of respondents selected potatoes, it is important to consider the margin of error and confidence level of the poll to understand the reliability of this result.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Sampling Bias

Sampling bias occurs when the sample is not representative of the population, leading to skewed results. In this case, if the poll was sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, there might be a bias in how the survey was conducted or in the sample selection, potentially influencing respondents to favor potatoes.
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Sampling Distribution of Sample Proportion

Survey Design

Survey design refers to how a survey is structured, including question phrasing and order, which can significantly impact responses. If the survey questions were leading or if potatoes were highlighted in some way, it could have influenced the respondents' choices, thus affecting the validity of the results.
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Intro to Random Variables & Probability Distributions Example 1

Statistical Significance

Statistical significance helps determine if the results of a study are likely due to chance or if they reflect a true preference in the population. With 26% of respondents choosing potatoes, it's important to assess whether this percentage is significantly higher than what would be expected by chance, considering the sample size and variability.
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Step 2: Calculate Test Statistic
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In Exercises 37–44, answer the given questions, which are related to percentages.

Marriage Proposals In a survey conducted by TheKnot.com, 1165 engaged or married women were asked about the importance of a bended knee when making a marriage proposal. Among the 1165 respondents, 48% said that the bended knee was essential.


a. What is the exact value that is 48% of 1165 survey respondents?

b. Could the result from part (a) be the actual number of survey subjects who said that a bended knee is essential? Why or why not?

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 21–28, determine which of the four levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) best describes the given data.

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Textbook Question

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 21–28, determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study.

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.

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