Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a parameter and a statistic?

Accepted Answer

A parameter is a numerical summary of a population, while a statistic is a numerical summary of a sample.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. She randomly assigns participants to either receive the drug or a placebo and measures their blood pressure after 6 weeks. Which type of study is this?

Accepted Answer

Designed experiment

Question 3

Which of the following variables is measured at the interval level?

Accepted Answer

Temperature in degrees Celsius

Question 4

A city wants to estimate the average household income. They divide the city into blocks and randomly select 10 blocks, then survey every household in those blocks. What sampling method is used?

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a discrete variable?

Accepted Answer

The number of students in a classroom

Question 6

A survey is conducted by asking customers leaving a store to participate. Only those who agree are included. What type of sample is this?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sample

Question 7

In a systematic sample, if the population size is $$N = 500$$ and the desired sample size is $$n = 25$$, what is the value of $$k$$?

Accepted Answer

$$k = \frac{500}{25} = 20$$

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates response bias in a survey?

Accepted Answer

Respondents giving answers they think are socially acceptable rather than truthful

Question 9

A matched-pairs design is most appropriate when:

Accepted Answer

Experimental units can be paired based on similar characteristics

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a source of bias in sampling?

Accepted Answer

Randomization bias

Question 11

A researcher wants to study the effect of fertilizer on two varieties of soybean plants. She divides the plants into two groups based on variety and randomly assigns treatments within each group. What experimental design is this?

Accepted Answer

Randomized block design

Question 12

Which of the following statements about inferential statistics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics use sample data to make generalizations about a population and measure reliability.

Question 13

In a double-blind experiment, who is unaware of the treatment assignment?

Accepted Answer

Both the experimental unit and the researcher in contact with the subject

Question 14

Which sampling method is most likely to ensure that all segments of a population are represented proportionally?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 15

A variable is measured as 'agree', 'neutral', or 'disagree'. What is the level of measurement?

Accepted Answer

Ordinal

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a lurking variable in a study examining the relationship between exercise and heart health?

Accepted Answer

Diet, which was not measured but affects heart health

Question 17

A researcher collects data on the number of hours students study per week and their exam scores. Which variable is the explanatory variable?

Accepted Answer

Number of hours studied

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a cross-sectional study?

Accepted Answer

Collects information about individuals at a specific point in time

Question 19

If a sample is not representative of the population, what is the result?

Accepted Answer

Bias

Question 20

In a study, the variable 'zip code' is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative, nominal

Chapter 1: Data Collection – Foundations of Statistical Practice

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards