The relationship between samples and populations may be described as ______.
A) researchers collect data from populations in order to test hypotheses about samples
B) researchers calculate descriptive statistics on populations and inferential statistics on samples
C) the larger the sample, the more it resembles the population
D) populations are a subset of samples

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Samples are a subset of populations, and the larger the sample size, the more likely it is to accurately represent the characteristics of the population as a whole. Researchers collect data from samples in order to make inferences about the larger population. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Option A is incorrect because researchers collect data from samples, not populations. Option B is partially correct but incomplete because researchers use inferential statistics on both populations and samples to make predictions, not just on samples. Option D is incorrect because populations are the entire group of individuals being studied, while samples are subsets of the population.

The Relationship Between Samples and Populations May Be Described as ______