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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumWhich conclusion the sample supports

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A random sample of 400 registered voters in a city was asked whether they support a new bicycle lane, and 58% said they did. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this result?

  1. A. A majority of the city's registered voters probably support the bicycle lane.Correct
  2. B. A majority of all residents of the country support bicycle lanes.
  3. C. Exactly 58% of the city's registered voters support the bicycle lane.
  4. D. Building the bicycle lane will increase cycling in the city.

Answer: A. A majority of the city's registered voters probably support the bicycle lane.

A random sample of the city's voters supports a conclusion about the city's voters, with the usual uncertainty of an estimate.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. A majority of all residents of the country support bicycle lanes.
The sample was of one city's voters, not the country's residents.
C. Exactly 58% of the city's registered voters support the bicycle lane.
A sample percentage is an estimate; the population's value is not known exactly.
D. Building the bicycle lane will increase cycling in the city.
An opinion survey says nothing about what building the lane would do.

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