Which of the following is true about statistics such as the sample mean or sample proportion?
A) A statistic is a constant.
B) A statistic is a parameter.
C) A statistic is always known.
D) A statistic is a random variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A statistic is a random variable because its value depends on the sample that is selected, which is a random process. The sample mean and sample proportion are both examples of statistics. Option A is incorrect because a statistic is not a constant; it can take on different values depending on the sample. Option B is incorrect because a parameter is a numerical quantity that describes the population, not the sample. Option C is incorrect because a statistic is not always known; it needs to be calculated or estimated from the data.

Which of the Following Is True About Statistics Such as the Sample