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 study the heights of all students at a university. What is the population in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

All students at the university.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key reason why voluntary response samples are often flawed?

Accepted Answer

They have a strong possibility of bias because respondents choose to participate.

Question 4

In a survey, 67% of 186,000 volunteer respondents said the United Nations should move out of the United States, while 38% of 500 randomly selected respondents agreed. Why is the smaller sample likely to provide better results?

Accepted Answer

Because random selection reduces bias.

Question 5

Which of the following is the best definition of 'statistics'?

Accepted Answer

The science of planning studies and experiments; obtaining data; and organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing, and interpreting those data and then drawing conclusions based on them.

Question 6

A study finds that a new drug reduces blood pressure by an average of 1 mmHg, with a p-value of 0.01. Which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of misleading conclusions in statistics?

Accepted Answer

Making statements that are not clear to those unfamiliar with statistics.

Question 8

If a survey has a low response rate, what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

There is an increased likelihood of bias among those who do respond.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a census?

Accepted Answer

A collection of data from every member of a population.

Question 10

A survey asks, 'Do you agree that the new policy is beneficial?' Which potential pitfall does this question illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Loaded question.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a step in the statistical process described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Publish.

Question 12

Suppose you want to estimate the average income of all households in a city. You randomly select 200 households and collect their income data. What is the sample in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The 200 households selected for the study.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

An internet poll where people choose to respond.

Question 14

A study reports that 120% of respondents prefer a new product. What statistical pitfall does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Misleading percentage.

Question 15

Which of the following is the best way to begin analyzing data according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Begin with appropriate graphs and explorations of the data.

Question 16

In a study, 98 out of 100 random births are girls. Is this result statistically significant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because such an extreme outcome is unlikely to result from random chance.

Question 17

Why is it better to take measurements yourself rather than asking subjects to report results?

Accepted Answer

Measured data are less likely to be biased or incorrect.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes practical significance?

Accepted Answer

A result that makes enough of a difference to justify its use or to be practical.

Question 19

A survey is conducted by calling people who voluntarily respond to a radio announcement. What type of sample is this?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary response sample.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Loaded questions.

Introduction to Statistics: Essentials and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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