Data Collection Vocab

These are the facts or numbers gathered by a survey.

• data

• sample

• statistic

• census

What are the characteristics used to describe a sample called?

• parameter

• statistic

• survey

• sample

What is the collection of data from every member of a population called?

• survey

• statistic

• census

• population

Ms. Carey concludes that 85% of the students in the school have at least one pet after she conducts a survey of the students in her class.

• census

• sample

Answer explanation

Ms. Carey only surveyed her students, but her conclusions were extended to the whole school; so this a sample.

Paul reports that one out of every five boys on the boy's varsity basketball team can dunk a basketball after he conducts a survey of the boys on the team.

• census

• sample

Answer explanation

The parameter of "1 out of every 5" can dunk was concluded based on the survey and he surveyed the team--the whole team.

According to an online poll, 35% of all U.S. citizens live in an apartment.

• parameter

• statistic

Answer explanation

This is an online poll, so this is not a census.

According to Ms. Carey's survey of the students in her class, 50% of her students have at least one dog.

• parameter

• statistic

Answer explanation

She surveyed her class and the characteristic describes her class, so the survey is from a census.

Rashid chooses each player on the soccer team whose last name starts with a vowel to participate in a survey about team sports. Is this random, or not?

• random

• not random

Answer explanation

This is not random because not everyone has an equally likely chance of being selected to participate. If your last name doesn't begin with a vowel, you can't participate.

Mr. Tamez chooses the first seven students to raise their hands in his math class to participate in a survey. Is this random, or not?

• random

• not random

Answer explanation

This is not random because Mr. Tamez is only choosing people that raise their hand quickly. The first 7 would be an example of a convenient sample, not random.

Ms. Patel, the chess team captain, writes the names of each of the twelve team members on separate slips of paper. She places the slips in a box, shakes it, and selects five slips with her eyes closed. The five members whose names are chosen will complete a survey about the chess team. Is this random, or not?

• random

• not random

Answer explanation

This is random because everyone on the team has an equally likely chance of being selected to participate.