A researcher records the change in weight (gain or loss) during the first semester of college for each individual in a group of 25 freshmen, and calculates the average change in weight. The average is an example of a ____.
A) parameter
B) statistic
C) variable
D) constant

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average change in weight calculated from the sample of 25 freshmen is a statistic because it is a numerical summary of the sample data. A parameter would be a numerical summary of the population data, which is not given in this scenario. Variable refers to the characteristic being measured (change in weight), and constant refers to a value that does not change.

A Researcher Records the Change in Weight (Gain or Loss)