Solved on Dec 08, 2023
Determine if the following are valid statistical questions: a) How much money do high-school students typically carry? b) How many quarters equal ?
STEP 1
Assumptions
1. A valid statistical question is one that can be answered by collecting data and where the answer will vary.
2. The question should not have a fixed answer but should require analysis of variability and trends.
STEP 2
Evaluate question (a): "How much money do high-school students typically carry with them?"
1. Determine if the question can be answered by collecting data.
2. Check if the answer will vary among different high-school students.
STEP 3
Analyze question (a):
1. The question can be answered by collecting data from a sample of high-school students.
2. The amount of money carried will likely vary from student to student due to differences in personal circumstances, spending habits, and access to money.
STEP 4
Conclude the evaluation of question (a):
Since the question can be answered by collecting data and the answer will vary, it is a valid statistical question.
STEP 5
Evaluate question (b): "How many quarters equal ?"
1. Determine if the question can be answered by collecting data.
2. Check if the answer will vary.
STEP 6
Analyze question (b):
1. The question does not require data collection as it is a straightforward mathematical calculation.
2. The answer will not vary; it is a fixed value based on the monetary system where 4 quarters equal .
STEP 7
Conclude the evaluation of question (b):
Since the question has a fixed answer and does not require data collection or analysis of variability, it is not a valid statistical question.
The solution to the problem is that question (a) "How much money do high-school students typically carry with them?" is a valid statistical question, while question (b) "How many quarters equal ?" is not a valid statistical question.
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