Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance means the results are unlikely to occur by chance (usually less than 5% probability), while practical significance means the results are large enough to matter in real life.

Question 2

A researcher finds that a new medication reduces blood pressure by an average of 1 mmHg with $$p \u003c 0.05. $$Which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Data are collections of observations, such as measurements, genders, or survey responses.

Question 4

In a survey about exercise habits, the order of questions causes participants to answer differently than they would have otherwise. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Order of questions bias

Question 5

Why is it generally better to measure sample data yourself rather than rely on self-reported data?

Accepted Answer

Measured data reduce the risk of bias and inaccuracies that can occur with self-reporting.

Question 6

A study reports that 120% of students passed an exam. What is the main statistical pitfall illustrated here?

Accepted Answer

Misleading percentages

Question 7

Which step in the statistical process involves determining if the results have statistical or practical significance?

Accepted Answer

Conclude

Question 8

A survey about dietary habits receives responses from only 10% of those contacted. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a potential pitfall when analyzing data?

Accepted Answer

Using percentages correctly

Question 10

In a study, 98 out of 100 random births are girls. Why is this considered statistically significant?

Accepted Answer

Because such an extreme outcome is unlikely to result from random chance ($$P \u003c 0.05).$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the science of statistics?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

A survey asks, 'Don’t you agree that exercise is beneficial?' What statistical pitfall does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Loaded question

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of practical significance without statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

A new teaching method improves test scores by 20 points, but the improvement could easily occur by chance ($$p = 0.3).$$

Question 14

Which of the following is most likely to result in misleading conclusions in a statistical study?

Accepted Answer

Making statements that are unclear to those unfamiliar with statistics.

Question 15

If a study finds a statistically significant result, what is the probability that the result occurred by chance?

Accepted Answer

$$P \u003c 0.05$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a collection of observations in statistics?

Accepted Answer

Data

Question 17

A researcher wants to know if a new diet is effective. Which process should they follow according to the statistical process?

Accepted Answer

Prepare, analyze, conclude

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of nonresponse bias?

Accepted Answer

Survey participants refuse to answer or are unavailable.

Question 19

A study finds that a new teaching method increases average test scores by 2 points with $$p \u003c 0.05. $$Which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

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

Introduction to Statistics: Statistical and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards