Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'distribution' in statistics?

Accepted Answer

A table, graph, or formula that describes the pattern of our data and how often observations occur.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a key property to consider when describing the shape of a distribution?

Accepted Answer

Sample size

Question 3

A histogram of annual incomes in a large city shows a long tail to the right. Which term best describes the shape of this distribution?

Accepted Answer

Right-skewed

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of a normal distribution?

Accepted Answer

It is symmetric and bell-shaped.

Question 5

Suppose a sample of exam scores is left-skewed. Which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

Most students scored high, with a few low outliers.

Question 6

Which of the following best distinguishes a population distribution from a sample distribution?

Accepted Answer

A population distribution represents the entire group, while a sample distribution represents a subset.

Question 7

A misleading graph is created by starting the y-axis at 50 instead of 0, making small differences appear much larger. What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Improper scaling

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to result in a misleading graph?

Accepted Answer

A bar chart with inconsistent intervals on the x-axis.

Question 9

A company presents a graph showing a dramatic increase in sales by using a y-axis that ranges only from $90,000 to $100,000. What statistical concept is being violated?

Accepted Answer

Proper scaling of axes

Question 10

Which of the following is the best way to avoid being misled by a graph in a news article?

Accepted Answer

Check the scales and labels on both axes.

Question 11

A dataset of daily temperatures in a city over a year is graphed and shows two distinct peaks. Which term best describes this distribution?

Accepted Answer

Bimodal

Question 12

If a distribution is symmetric, which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

The mean and median are approximately equal.

Question 13

A researcher wants to compare the distribution of test scores between two classes. Which graphical method would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Overlaying histograms for both classes.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a right-skewed distribution?

Accepted Answer

Personal income in a large country.

Question 15

A misleading graph is most likely to be found in which of the following contexts?

Accepted Answer

Political campaign advertisements.

Question 16

Suppose you are shown a bar graph comparing unemployment rates over several years, but the bars are not equally spaced. What is the main issue with this graph?

Accepted Answer

The x-axis intervals are inconsistent, which can mislead the viewer.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a uniform distribution?

Accepted Answer

All values occur with approximately equal frequency.

Question 18

A student claims that a histogram with a bell-shaped curve must always represent a normal distribution. Which of the following is the best response?

Accepted Answer

A bell-shaped curve suggests normality, but further analysis is needed to confirm it is truly normal.

Question 19

If a graph is used to exaggerate small differences between groups, which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

The scale of the y-axis has been manipulated.

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential consequence of using misleading graphs in public health communication?

Accepted Answer

The public may make poor decisions based on distorted information.

Distribution Shapes and Misleading Graphs in Statistics (STAT C1000, Sections 2.4–2.5)

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