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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumThe population a random sample can speak for

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A survey of 200 students selected at random from all students at Northfield High School found that 45% of them walk to school. Which of the following is the largest group to which the 45% estimate can reasonably be generalised?

  1. A. All students at Northfield High School.Correct
  2. B. All high-school students in the country.
  3. C. Only the 200 students who were surveyed.
  4. D. All residents of the town where the school is located.

Answer: A. All students at Northfield High School.

The sample was drawn at random from Northfield's students, so it represents that population. It says nothing reliable about other schools or non-students.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. All high-school students in the country.
Students at other schools were never in the population sampled; walking rates could differ greatly elsewhere.
C. Only the 200 students who were surveyed.
Because the sample was random, it supports an estimate for the whole school, not just the 200 asked.
D. All residents of the town where the school is located.
Town residents who aren't Northfield students weren't sampled at all.

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