Question 1

Which of the following best describes the four steps of the statistical investigative process?

Accepted Answer

Ask a question, collect data, analyze data, and make a conclusion.

Question 2

A fortune teller correctly guesses the outcome of 14 out of 17 coin tosses. If the fortune teller is just guessing, what is the expected number of correct guesses?

Accepted Answer

$$E(X) = 17 	imes 0.5 = 8.5$$

Question 3

Which sampling method is most likely to produce a representative sample of a population?

Accepted Answer

Random sample

Question 4

A teacher posts a survey link on Instagram and asks followers to respond. What type of sample is this?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary response sample

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of undercoverage bias?

Accepted Answer

Surveying only people who are at home during the day about their TV habits.

Question 6

If a survey is sent to 100 randomly selected students and only 42 respond, what type of bias is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Nonresponse bias

Question 7

Which of the following best describes sampling variability?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for different samples to give different results.

Question 8

A survey asks, 'Don't you agree that our school lunch is healthy?' What type of bias is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Response bias

Question 9

Why is it important to use a random sample when making generalizations about a population?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that every individual has an equal chance of being selected, reducing bias.

Question 10

A researcher sends a survey to a random sample of households, but only one-third respond. What is the most likely effect on the results?

Accepted Answer

The results may be biased due to nonresponse.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a convenience sample?

Accepted Answer

Surveying the first 10 people you see in the cafeteria.

Question 12

Suppose you want to estimate the average word length in a student's essay. Which sampling method would give the most reliable estimate?

Accepted Answer

Selecting 5 words at random using a random number generator.

Question 13

A survey about exercise is mailed to a random sample of households. Only those who exercise regularly respond. What type of bias is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary response bias

Question 14

Which of the following best defines a population in statistics?

Accepted Answer

All individuals or items of interest in a study.

Question 15

A study finds that the average family income for FAFSA applicants is $98,000. Why might this not represent the average family income for all families?

Accepted Answer

FAFSA applicants are more likely to have higher incomes, so the average may be overestimated.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a step in the statistical investigative process?

Accepted Answer

Publish in a scientific journal

Question 17

If a sample consistently overestimates the population parameter, what type of bias is present?

Accepted Answer

High bias

Question 18

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates response bias?

Accepted Answer

A survey asks sensitive questions about illegal behavior.

Question 19

A class wants to know if listening to music while studying affects quiz scores. Which is the correct order of the statistical investigative process?

Accepted Answer

Ask a question, collect data, analyze data, make a conclusion.

Question 20

Which formula would you use to calculate the expected value for the number of correct guesses in a random guessing scenario with $$n$$ trials and probability $$p of $$success?

Accepted Answer

$$E(X) = n 	imes p$$

Introductory Statistics Unit 1: Collecting and Describing Data – Step-by-Step Study Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards