Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of considering the 'big picture view' when evaluating a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

To understand the overall goal, population, and appropriateness of the study design.

Question 2

A study on a new medication only included male participants. Which guideline is most relevant when interpreting the results?

Accepted Answer

Get a big picture view of the study.

Question 3

Why is it important to consider the source of a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Because the source may have a vested interest that could introduce bias.

Question 4

A survey about smoking habits is conducted by a tobacco company. What is a potential issue with this study?

Accepted Answer

There may be bias due to the source of the study.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in a study examining the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

The presence of radon in homes.

Question 6

A study claims that a new teaching method improves test scores, but the sample only includes students who volunteered. What is the main concern?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias due to self-selected participants.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates a problem in defining or measuring the variable of interest?

Accepted Answer

A study on illegal drug use where the actual number of users is unknown.

Question 8

In a survey, the question 'Do you support the new tax that will improve schools?' is asked. What is the main issue with this question?

Accepted Answer

It is leading and may bias responses.

Question 9

Why is it important to check that results are presented fairly in a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Because unfair presentation can mislead readers about the true findings.

Question 10

A study finds a statistically significant difference in average weight loss between two diets, but the difference is only 0.5 pounds. What should be considered before concluding the result is important?

Accepted Answer

Whether the difference has practical significance.

Question 11

Which equation would you use to calculate the mean of a sample?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \bar{x} = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i$$

Question 12

A researcher wants to generalize the results of a study to all adults in the U.S., but only surveyed college students. Which guideline is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Get a big picture view of the study.

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential issue if a survey is conducted only online?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias due to limited access for some populations.

Question 14

If a study's results are statistically significant but not practically significant, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The difference found is unlikely due to chance, but may not matter in practice.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a confounding variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable that is not part of the study but may influence the results.

Question 16

A poll asks, 'Do you support the new law?' and only allows 'yes' or 'no' answers. What is a potential issue with this survey?

Accepted Answer

It does not allow for neutral or alternative responses.

Evaluating Statistical Studies: Guidelines for Critical Analysis

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards