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 college students in the country. What is the population in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

All college students in the country.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between a census and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A census collects data from every member of a population, while a sample collects data from a subcollection.

Question 4

In a survey of 410 human resource professionals, 148 said job candidates were disqualified due to social media posts. What is the sample in this study?

Accepted Answer

The 410 human resource professionals surveyed.

Question 5

Which of the following is a major flaw of voluntary response samples?

Accepted Answer

They are likely to be biased because respondents choose to participate.

Question 6

A television show asks viewers to call in with their opinion on a political issue. What type of sample is this?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary response sample

Question 7

Why might a smaller random sample provide better results than a large voluntary response sample?

Accepted Answer

Random samples reduce bias and better represent the population.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

Getting 98 girls in 100 random births.

Question 9

A weight loss program results in an average loss of 2.1 kg after one year, which is statistically significant. Why might this result lack practical significance?

Accepted Answer

The amount of weight lost may not be enough to justify the time, cost, and effort.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Reporting sample data instead of measuring.

Question 11

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 12

Which of the following best defines 'statistics'?

Accepted Answer

The science of collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to draw conclusions.

Question 13

A survey asks: 'Don’t you agree that recycling is important?' What is the potential pitfall in this question?

Accepted Answer

Loaded question

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Publish

Question 15

Suppose a study reports that 120% of people prefer chocolate over vanilla. What is the issue with this percentage?

Accepted Answer

Percentages over 100% are often not justified and can be misleading.

Question 16

Which equation represents the probability threshold for statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

$$P \leq 0.05$$

Question 17

A researcher measures shoe print lengths and heights of eight males to estimate a relationship. What is the first step in the statistical process?

Accepted Answer

Prepare by considering context, source, and sampling method.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a misleading conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Making statements that are unclear to those who do not understand statistics.

Question 19

Why is it important to distinguish between statistical significance and practical significance?

Accepted Answer

A result can be statistically significant but not make enough of a difference to be practical.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Internet polls where people choose to respond.

Introduction to Statistics: Foundations and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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