Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of statistics as a science?

Accepted Answer

To plan studies and experiments, obtain data, and organize, summarize, present, analyze, and interpret those data to draw conclusions

Question 2

A researcher wants to know the average height of all college students in the United States. She collects data from 500 randomly selected students. In this context, what is the population?

Accepted Answer

All college students in the United States

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A survey where people call in to a radio show to express their opinion

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Because respondents decide themselves whether to participate, often leading to overrepresentation of strong opinions

Question 5

In a study, 98 girls are born out of 100 random births. According to statistical significance, why is this result considered significant?

Accepted Answer

Because the probability of this happening by chance is 5% or less

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A result can be statistically significant (unlikely to occur by chance) but not practically significant (does not make a meaningful difference in real life).

Question 7

A survey asks, 'How great do you think our university is?' What is the main statistical issue with this question?

Accepted Answer

It is a loaded question that may bias responses.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Reporting sample data instead of measuring it directly

Question 9

A company claims that their product increases productivity by 150%. What is a potential issue with this statement?

Accepted Answer

Percentages over 100% can be misleading if not properly justified

Question 10

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the statistical process described in the materials?

Accepted Answer

Guess

Question 11

A researcher collects data from every member of a small town to study their voting preferences. What type of data collection is this?

Accepted Answer

Census

Question 12

Which of the following best describes 'data' in statistics?

Accepted Answer

A collection of observations, such as measurements, genders, or survey responses

Question 13

A survey is conducted by mailing questionnaires to 10,000 people, but only 500 respond. What is a major concern with this survey?

Accepted Answer

High nonresponse rate, which may lead to bias

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Making sense of results and not just performing calculations

Question 15

In the context of the shoe print and height study, why is it important that the individuals were randomly selected?

Accepted Answer

Random selection helps ensure the sample is representative of the population

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Stating that a treatment works for everyone based on a small, biased sample

Question 17

If a study finds a statistically significant result, what should be considered next before making a recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Whether the result also has practical significance

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a sample in statistics?

Accepted Answer

A subcollection of members selected from a population

Question 19

A survey asks, 'Do you really intend to vote for that candidate?' What is the main issue with this question?

Accepted Answer

It is a loaded question that may influence responses

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a recommended step when preparing for statistical analysis?

Accepted Answer

Ignore the sampling method

Introduction to Statistics: Key Concepts and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards