Question 1

How are statistics important in our everyday lives, and why do we need to understand them?

Accepted Answer

Statistics are used to analyze the results of surveys. It is important to understand the terms and concepts so that one can understand exactly what is being represented (or misrepresented) by a given statement.

Question 2

Statistics is the science of conducting studies to

Accepted Answer

Statistics involves the process of collecting, organizing, summarizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. It is a way of understanding and making sense of the world through data. While solving a system of equations, monitoring a subject, and studying and reporting on a subject may involve some mathematical or observational techniques, they are not the primary focus of statistics. Hypothesizing, experimenting, and forming conclusions are important aspects of the scientific method, but they are not the entirety of statistics.

Question 3

Explain the difference between qualitative, quantitative, discrete, and continuous variables.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative variables can be placed into distinct categories, but they cannot be ranked. Quantitative variables are discrete if they can be assigned a value, generally an integer, and they can be counted. Quantitative variables are continuous if they can assume an infinite number of values between two specific values.

Question 4

Variables with values that are determined by chance are called _____________.

Accepted Answer

Random variables have values that are determined by chance or probability, and are commonly used in statistical analysis and probability theory. Specialized, erratic, and inconsistent variables are not accurate descriptions of variables determined by chance.

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between a sample and a population?

Accepted Answer

A sample is a subset of a population that is selected to be studied. Therefore, choice C accurately describes the relationship between a sample and a population.

Question 6

A ______________ consists of all subjects that are being studied.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ______________ consists of all subjects that...

Question 7

In which branch of statistics would a researcher acquire twenty-five 2000 Toyota Celicas, drive them until they had a major mechanical failure, record the final mileage, and then write a report for Car and Driver?

Accepted Answer

This study involves collecting and analyzing data (final mileage) from a sample of 25 Toyota Celicas in order to describe the characteristics (life span) of the population of Toyota Celicas. This falls under the branch of descriptive statistics.

Question 8

______________ is a decision-making process for evaluating claims about a population, based on information obtained from samples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ______________ is a decision-making process for evaluating...

Question 9

If a weather center monitors and calculates the average number of tornadoes that pass through Topeka, Kansas each year, what type of variable would they be investigating?

Accepted Answer

The weather center is monitoring and calculating the average number of tornadoes in Topeka, Kansas each year, which is a random variable. A random variable is a numerical value determined by chance or random factors. The number of tornadoes that pass through each year is not controlled or isolated, and it is not a hypothesis variable that is being tested.

Question 10

A ____________ is a characteristic or attribute of a subject that can assume different values?

Accepted Answer

A variable is a characteristic or attribute of a subject, such as age, height, or weight, that can take on different values or vary across individuals or situations. Data is a collection of variables or observations, an exponent is a mathematical term used to represent the power to which a number is raised, and a sample is a subset of a larger population selected for study or analysis.

Question 11

Each value in a data set may be referred to as either a data value or a(n) ____________.

Accepted Answer

The term "datum" is commonly used to refer to a single value in a data set.

Question 12

Quantitative data can be further classified as continuous or nonsequential.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data can be further classified as continuous or discrete. Continuous data can take on any value within a range, while discrete data can only take on specific values. Nonsequential is not a classification for quantitative data.

Question 13

Based on her electric bills from last year, Mrs. Smith expects she will be paying $75/month this year. This is an example of descriptive statistics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on her electric bills from last...

Question 14

Which branch of statistics would employ probability to predict how many miles one should be able to drive a 2000 Toyota Celica during its lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics is the branch concerned with using statistical techniques to make predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample. In this case, probability is being used to make a prediction about how long a 2000 Toyota Celica will last, which is an example of inferential statistics. Time series statistics would involve analyzing data over time, descriptive statistics would involve summarizing and describing data, and differential statistics is not a recognized branch of statistics.

Question 15

Inferential statistics is based on probability.

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics uses probability theory to make inferences about a population based on a sample. It involves estimating parameters, testing hypotheses, and making predictions using statistical methods and probability distributions.

Question 16

What level of measurement would be applied when doing a survey on the average American's shoe size?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What level of measurement would be applied...

Question 17

Classifying the fruit in a basket as apple, orange, or banana, is an example of the ___________ level of measurement?

Accepted Answer

Nominal level of measurement involves categorizing or classifying data into mutually exclusive groups without any sort of order or ranking. In this case, the fruit in a basket is classified into three exclusive groups, namely apples, oranges or bananas.

Question 18

A ______________ variable assumes values that can be counted.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ______________ variable assumes values that can...

Question 19

What level of measurement allows for the ranking of data, a precise difference between units of measure, and also includes a true zero?

Accepted Answer

Ratio level of measurement allows for ranking data, precise difference between units, and includes a true zero. Nominal only allows for grouping and categorizing data, ordinal allows rank order but no precise difference, and interval allows for precise difference but no true zero.

Question 20

What level of measurement classifies data into mutually exclusive categories in which no order or ranking can be imposed on the data?

Accepted Answer

Nominal measurement is used for data that can be classified into mutually exclusive categories in which no order or ranking can be imposed on the data. Examples include gender, race, and occupation.

Quiz 1: The Nature of Probability and Statistics