Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a population and a sample in statistics?

Accepted Answer

A population is the complete collection of all measurements or data being considered, while a sample is a subcollection of members selected from a population.

Question 2

A researcher wants to know the average cholesterol level of adults in a city. She collects data from 200 randomly selected adults. In this context, what is the population?

Accepted Answer

All adults in the city.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A television show asks viewers to call in and vote for their favorite contestant.

Question 4

Why are voluntary response samples generally considered to be flawed?

Accepted Answer

They are likely to be biased because respondents self-select to participate.

Question 5

A study finds that 98 out of 100 randomly selected births are girls. Which of the following best describes this result?

Accepted Answer

It is statistically significant because such an extreme outcome is unlikely to result from random chance.

Question 6

Suppose a new medication is tested on 10,000 patients, and 5,200 recoveries are observed. The probability of this happening by chance is 0.03%. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

The result is statistically significant but may lack practical significance.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of practical significance?

Accepted Answer

A new teaching method increases test scores by 0.5% with a p-value of 0.001.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Using loaded or poorly worded survey questions.

Question 9

A survey asks respondents to report their own weight. What is a potential issue with this data collection method?

Accepted Answer

Respondents may misreport their weight, leading to inaccurate data.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about statistical significance is correct?

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance is achieved if the likelihood of an event occurring by chance is 5% or less.

Question 11

A study reports that 120% of people surveyed prefer product A over product B. What is the most likely issue with this result?

Accepted Answer

Percentages over 100% are often misleading and not justified.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of conducting a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Prepare, analyze, and conclude.

Question 13

A researcher wants to determine if there is a relationship between the number of registered pleasure boats and manatee fatalities in Florida. What is the first step she should take according to sound statistical practice?

Accepted Answer

Prepare by considering the context, source, and sampling method.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Claiming that a treatment works for everyone based on a voluntary response sample.

Question 15

If a survey question is worded in a way that suggests a particular answer, what is this called?

Accepted Answer

A loaded question.

Question 16

A study uses official government records to obtain data on traffic accidents. What is a likely advantage of this data source?

Accepted Answer

It is likely to be reputable and reliable.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a census?

Accepted Answer

A collection of data from every member of a population.

Question 18

A survey is conducted by mailing questionnaires to 10,000 people, but only 1,000 respond. What is a potential problem with this survey?

Accepted Answer

Nonresponse bias may affect the results.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Guess

Question 20

A study finds a statistically significant difference in test scores between two teaching methods, but the average difference is only 0.2 points out of 100. What should be concluded?

Accepted Answer

The result is statistically significant but may lack practical significance.

Introduction to Statistics: Key Concepts and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards