The variance of a distribution of means is less than the original population variance because:
A)it is based on fewer individuals than of the original population
B)it is an estimate of the sample parameters rather than the original population
C)extreme scores are less likely to affect a distribution of means
D)a distribution of means actually has a larger variance than the original population

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The variance of a distribution of means is less than the population variance because extreme scores are less likely to affect a distribution of means. As the sample size increases, the extreme scores tend to cancel each other out, leading to a more normal distribution with less variance.

The Variance of a Distribution of Means Is Less Than