Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardReading a sample statistic versus a population parameter
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A biologist measures the wingspans of 50 randomly caught birds of a species and finds a mean of 24.1 cm with a margin of error of 0.6 cm. Which of the following is the best description of what the interval 23.5 cm to 24.7 cm represents?
- A. A range of plausible values for the mean wingspan of ALL birds of the species.Correct
- B. The range within which every bird's wingspan falls.
- C. The range of wingspans in the sample of 50.
- D. The exact mean wingspan of the species.
Answer: A. A range of plausible values for the mean wingspan of ALL birds of the species.
The interval describes uncertainty about the population mean.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The range within which every bird's wingspan falls.
- Individual birds vary far more than the margin around the mean.
- C. The range of wingspans in the sample of 50.
- The sample's own range is not what the margin describes.
- D. The exact mean wingspan of the species.
- The population mean is estimated, not known exactly.
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