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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyFlaw in generalising from a basketball team

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A study measured the heights of the players on a school's basketball team and concluded that pupils at the school are unusually tall. What is the main flaw in this conclusion?

  1. A. Basketball players are not representative of all the school's pupils.Correct
  2. B. Height cannot be measured accurately.
  3. C. The team has too many players.
  4. D. The study should have measured weight instead.

Answer: A. Basketball players are not representative of all the school's pupils.

The sample is a group chosen for exactly the trait measured.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Height cannot be measured accurately.
Measurement is not the problem.
C. The team has too many players.
Team size is not the problem.
D. The study should have measured weight instead.
Weight is not the question.

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