True or False
Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false:
a. Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data.
b. A statistic is a single measure, reported as a number, used to summarize a sample data set.
c. Descriptive statistics refers to generalizing from a sample to a population, estimating unknown parameters, drawing conclusions, and making decisions.
d. One of the advantages of censuses is that they provide up-to-date data.
e. Inferential statistics refers to the collection, organization, presentation, and summary of data, either by using charts and graphs or through numerical summaries.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Answers:
a. True
b. True
c. False
d. False
e. False
Explanation:
Statistics is a broad field that involves collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. This is the foundation of statistical studies and is correctly stated in statement (a).
A statistic is a numerical measure used to summarize sample data. This is different from a parameter, which describes an entire population. Since statement (b) correctly describes a statistic, it is true.
Descriptive statistics focuses on summarizing and presenting data using tables, charts, and numerical measures. Inferential statistics, on the other hand, involves making generalizations from a sample to a larger population, estimating parameters, testing hypotheses, and making predictions. Since statement (c) incorrectly describes descriptive statistics when it should be referring to inferential statistics, it is false.
Censuses involve collecting data from an entire population. While they are comprehensive, they are not always up-to-date due to the time and cost required to conduct them. For example, a national census is usually conducted every 5 to 10 years, meaning the data may become outdated over time. Therefore, statement (d) is false.
Statement (e) defines inferential statistics, but the correct term for summarizing and presenting data is descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics focuses on making predictions and drawing conclusions. Since this statement confuses the two concepts, it is false.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly interpreting statistical concepts and their applications in real-world scenarios.