An unbiased estimator is a sample statistic:
A) used to approximate a population parameter
B) which has an expected value equal to the value of the population parameter
C) whose value is usually less than the population parameter
D) that incorporates the standard error of the mean

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An unbiased estimator is one in which the expected value of the estimator is equal to the true population parameter value. Option A is partially correct but it is not a sufficient definition for an unbiased estimator. Option C is incorrect since an unbiased estimator can be greater than or equal to the population parameter, depending on the situation. Option D is also incorrect since the standard error of the mean is a measure of variability and not the definition of an unbiased estimator.

An Unbiased Estimator Is a Sample Statistic