Collecting Data - Key Concepts

What is the definition of 'Population' in statistics?

• A) A small group drawn from the population

• B) The complete set of observations that can be made

• C) A group selected randomly

• D) The process of making inferences

Fill in the blank: In statistics, a ______ is a smaller group drawn from the population.

• sample

• mean

• variable

• median

Which of the following best describes 'Randomization' in the context of statistics?

• Choosing the largest group

• Ensuring the sample is representative of the entire population

• Studying only one outcome

• Ignoring bias

When a sample is not random, a bias is introduced which may influence the study in favor of one outcome over another.

• True

• False

Fill in the blank: The property of outcomes being different is called _______.

• variability

• consistency

• uniformity

• similarity

If you are studying the weights of adult cats, the ________ would be the set of the weights of all cats in the world.

• population

• sample

• average

• median

Randomization is important for experimental studies because:

• it helps eliminate bias and ensures groups are comparable.

• it guarantees the experiment will succeed.

• it increases the sample size automatically.

• it makes data collection faster.

Assigning participants to the two treatments based on who showed up to the study session first is not recommended because:

• It could introduce bias and affect the validity of the results.

• It ensures randomization of the groups.

• It guarantees equal group sizes.

• It makes the study easier to conduct.

A way to use randomization when assigning groups that eliminates bias is:

• Assigning participants to groups using a random number generator.

• Allowing participants to choose their own groups.

• Assigning groups based on alphabetical order.

• Grouping participants by their arrival time.

A survey is carried out at Penn State Altoona to estimate the proportion of all undergraduate students living at home during the current term. Of the 3,838 undergraduate students enrolled at the campus, a random sample of 100 was surveyed. What is the population of the study?

• All the 3,838 undergraduate students enrolled at the campus

• The 100 who were surveyed

• All the students in universities across America

• All students living at home in the current term.