Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process involved in conducting a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Prepare, analyze, and conclude.

Question 2

A researcher wants to know the average height of all university students. She measures the heights of 200 randomly selected students. In this context, what is the population?

Accepted Answer

All university students.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a voluntary response sample?

Accepted Answer

A survey where people can choose to reply to an online poll.

Question 4

Why is a voluntary response sample generally considered to be flawed?

Accepted Answer

It is likely to be biased because respondents self-select.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines 'statistics' as a field of study?

Accepted Answer

The science of organizing and interpreting data to draw conclusions.

Question 6

A study finds that a new medication reduces blood pressure by an average of 1 mmHg, with $$p \u003c 0.05. $$Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The result is statistically significant but may not be practically significant.

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential pitfall when analyzing survey data?

Accepted Answer

Using loaded questions that influence responses.

Question 8

In a survey, 60% of respondents said they exercise regularly. If the survey had a very low response rate, what is a likely issue with the results?

Accepted Answer

There is an increased likelihood of bias among those who responded.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between statistical significance and practical significance?

Accepted Answer

A result can be statistically significant but not make a meaningful difference in real life.

Question 10

A poll asks viewers to call in if they support a new law. 80% of callers support the law. What is the main problem with using this result to infer the opinion of the general population?

Accepted Answer

The sample is a voluntary response sample and likely biased.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a recommended step in the 'prepare, analyze, and conclude' process of a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the context of the data.

Question 12

A researcher collects data by asking participants to report their own weights. What is a potential issue with this method?

Accepted Answer

Sample data reported instead of measured can be inaccurate.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of misleading use of percentages?

Accepted Answer

Reporting that 120% of students passed an exam.

Question 14

In a study, the order of survey questions unintentionally influences the responses. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Order of questions bias.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a census?

Accepted Answer

A collection of data from every member of a population.

Question 16

A study finds that 98 out of 100 births are girls. According to statistical thinking, this result is:

Accepted Answer

Statistically significant because it is unlikely to occur by chance.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key aspect of statistical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Making sense of results using critical thinking, not just calculations.

Question 18

A survey asks, 'Don't you agree that exercise is important?' What is the main issue with this question?

Accepted Answer

It is a loaded question that may bias responses.

Question 19

Which of the following is the best way to reduce bias in a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Randomly select participants from the population.

Question 20

A study uses a reputable source and randomly selects individuals for data collection. According to the statistical process, what step is being emphasized?

Accepted Answer

Preparation, focusing on source and sampling method.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Statistics – Essentials of Statistical and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards