A researcher interested in language development obtains a sample of 25 three-year-old girls and a sample of 25 three-year-old boys.Each child is given a vocabulary test and the researcher computes the mean score for each sample.The difference between the two sample means is an example of a
A)parameter.
B)statistic.
C)variable.
D)constant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between the two sample means is a statistic because it is a numerical summary of the sample data. A parameter refers to a numerical summary of a population, which is not given in this scenario. A variable is a characteristic that can take on different values, but the difference between the sample means is not a variable in itself. A constant is a fixed value that does not change, but the difference between the sample means is not a constant.

A Researcher Interested in Language Development Obtains a Sample of 25