Research & Statistics 566
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What is the name for a subset of a population? Pyrczak p3
About This Quiz
Research & Statistics 566 examines key aspects of empirical research and statistical analysis. It covers planning, observation, and sampling, providing vital knowledge for systematic empirical research.
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- 2.
As a general rule, is the range appropriate for describing a distribution of scores with outliers? Pyrczak p46
Explanation
The range is not appropriate for describing a distribution of scores with outliers because it is influenced by extreme values. Outliers can greatly affect the range, resulting in a misleading representation of the spread of the data. Therefore, alternative measures such as the interquartile range or standard deviation are more suitable for describing distributions with outliers as they are less sensitive to extreme values.Rate this question:
- 3.
If 21% of kindergarten children are afraid of monsters, how many our of each 100 are afraid? Pyrczak p27
Explanation
The given question states that 21% of kindergarten children are afraid of monsters. This means that out of every 100 kindergarten children, 21 of them are afraid of monsters. Therefore, the correct answer is 21.Rate this question:
- 4.
Which scale of measurement is between the ordinal and ratio scales? Pyrczak p18
Explanation
The interval scale of measurement is between the ordinal and ratio scales. While the ordinal scale allows for ranking and ordering of variables, the interval scale also allows for the measurement of the distance between variables. However, unlike the ratio scale, the interval scale does not have a true zero point. This means that while we can compare and measure the differences between variables, we cannot make meaningful statements about ratios or proportions.Rate this question:
- 5.
What is the outlier in the following set of scores? Pyrczak p 4650,50,52,53,56,57,75
Explanation
In the given set of scores, all the numbers except 75 are relatively close to each other. 75 stands out as it is significantly higher than the other scores, making it the outlier.Rate this question:
- 6.
Are the data that researchers collect always "scores"? Pyrczak p4
Explanation
The answer "No" suggests that the data that researchers collect are not always "scores." This implies that researchers gather various types of data, which may include qualitative information, observations, measurements, or other forms of data that are not solely represented by numerical scores. Researchers collect data to gain insights and support their research objectives, and these data can take different forms depending on the nature of the study. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that all the data collected by researchers are scores.Rate this question:
- 7.
What level of measurement should be thought of as the "naming" level? Pyrczak p17
Explanation
The level of measurement that should be thought of as the "naming" level is nominal. Nominal level of measurement is the lowest level of measurement where data is categorized into distinct categories or groups without any order or ranking. It is used to label or name variables, but does not involve any quantitative values. In this level, the data can only be classified into different categories or groups based on their characteristics or attributes. Therefore, the correct answer is nominal.Rate this question:
- 8.
Which scale of measurement puts participants in rank order? Pyrczak p17
Explanation
The scale of measurement that puts participants in rank order is called ordinal. In an ordinal scale, data is organized based on the relative ranking or order of the participants. It does not provide information about the magnitude of the differences between the ranks, but only about the order in which they are ranked. This scale is commonly used in surveys or questionnaires where participants are asked to rate or rank items or preferences.Rate this question:
- 9.
Which scale of measurement has an absolute zero? Pyrczak p18
Explanation
The scale of measurement that has an absolute zero is the ratio scale. This means that it not only has a meaningful zero point, but also allows for the comparison of values and the calculation of ratios. In other words, on a ratio scale, a value of zero indicates the absence of the measured attribute, and ratios between values can be calculated and interpreted. Examples of ratio scale measurements include weight, height, and time.Rate this question:
- 10.
In a distribution with a negative skew, is the long tail pointing to the "left" or to the "right"? Pyrczak p34
Explanation
In a distribution with a negative skew, the long tail is pointing to the left. This means that the majority of the data is concentrated towards the right side of the distribution, and there are a few extreme values on the left side that pull the mean towards that direction.Rate this question:
- 11.
If you ask participants to name the country they were born in, which scale of measurement are you using? Pyrczak p17
Explanation
When asking participants to name the country they were born in, the scale of measurement being used is nominal. Nominal measurements are used to categorize data into distinct categories or groups, without any specific order or numerical value attached to them. In this case, the countries that participants can name would fall into different categories without any inherent order or numerical value associated with them.Rate this question:
- 12.
Is an average a "descriptive statistic" or an "inferential statistic"? Pyrczak p21
Explanation
An average is considered a "descriptive statistic" because it summarizes and describes a set of data by providing a single value that represents the central tendency. It does not involve any inference or drawing conclusions about a larger population based on a sample, which is the main characteristic of "inferential statistics".Rate this question:
- 13.
If there is no relationship between two sets of scores, what is the value of the correlation coefficient? Pyrczak p21
Explanation
When there is no relationship between two sets of scores, the correlation coefficient is 0. This means that there is no linear association between the two variables being measured. The correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to 1. A value of 0 indicates no correlation, suggesting that changes in one variable do not correspond to changes in the other variable.Rate this question:
- 14.
Which average is defined as the most frequently occurring score? Pyrczak p42
Explanation
The mode is the average that represents the most frequently occurring score in a data set. It is calculated by identifying the value or values that appear most frequently in the dataset. In other words, it is the score that occurs with the highest frequency. The mode is a useful measure of central tendency, particularly when dealing with categorical or discrete data.Rate this question:
- 15.
Which average is defined as the middle point in a distribution? Pyrczak p41
Explanation
The median is the average that represents the middle point in a distribution. It is calculated by arranging the data in ascending order and finding the value that falls exactly in the middle. This average is useful when dealing with skewed data or outliers, as it is not affected by extreme values.Rate this question:
- 16.
What is the mode of the following scores? Pyrczak p4211,13,16,16,18,21,25
Explanation
The mode is the value that appears most frequently in a set of data. In this case, the number 16 appears twice, which is more than any other number in the set. Therefore, the mode of the given scores is 16.Rate this question:
- 17.
What is the outlier in the following set of scores? Pyrczak p462,31,33,35,36,38,39
- 18.
Is the standard deviation a frequently used measure of variability? Pyrczak p49
Explanation
The standard deviation is a frequently used measure of variability because it provides information about the spread or dispersion of a set of data. It quantifies how much the individual data points deviate from the mean, giving an indication of the overall variability in the dataset. This measure is commonly used in various fields such as statistics, finance, and research to understand the distribution of data and make comparisons between different datasets.Rate this question:
- 19.
Is the range of a set of scores a "descriptive statistic" or an "inferential statistic"? Pyrczak p21
Explanation
The range of a set of scores is considered a descriptive statistic. Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main characteristics of a data set, such as central tendency (mean, median, mode) and variability (range, standard deviation). In this case, the range represents the difference between the highest and lowest scores, providing a measure of the spread or dispersion of the data. Inferential statistics, on the other hand, involve making inferences or predictions about a population based on a sample.Rate this question:
- 20.
Is a margin of error a "descriptive statistic" or an "inferential statistic"? Pyrczak p21
Explanation
A margin of error is an estimate of the amount of error or uncertainty in a statistical measurement. It is typically used in inferential statistics, which involves making inferences or drawing conclusions about a population based on a sample. In this case, the margin of error helps to quantify the level of confidence or reliability in the conclusions drawn from the sample data. Therefore, the correct answer is inferential.Rate this question:
- 21.
Suppose you read that 20% of a population of 1,000 was opposed to a city council resolution. How many are opposed? Pyrczak p 27
Explanation
The correct answer is 200 because 20% of 1,000 is equal to 200. This means that out of the total population of 1,000, 200 individuals are opposed to the city council resolution.Rate this question:
- 22.
According to Pryczak, are "percentages" or "proportions" easier to interpret? Pryczak p27
Explanation
According to Pryczak, percentages are easier to interpret compared to proportions.Rate this question:
- 23.
Is the mean usually appropriate for describing the average of a highly skewed distribution? Pyrczak p39
Explanation
The mean is not usually appropriate for describing the average of a highly skewed distribution because it is sensitive to extreme values. In a highly skewed distribution, the tail of the distribution is stretched out in one direction, which means there are a few extreme values that can greatly influence the mean. This can result in a misleading average that does not accurately represent the typical value in the distribution. In such cases, it is often more appropriate to use alternative measures of central tendency, such as the median or mode, which are less affected by extreme values.Rate this question:
- 24.
Suppose that a broad cross section of high school students took a very difficult sholarship examination and almost all scored very low, but a very small number scored very high. When plotted as a curve, the distribution will show what type of skew? Pyrczak p33
Explanation
The distribution will show a positive skew because the majority of the scores are clustered towards the lower end, while a very small number of scores are at the higher end. This creates a longer tail on the right side of the distribution, indicating a positive skew.Rate this question:
- 25.
In recent decades, researchers have increasingly used what term to refer to the individuals being studied? Pyrczak p5
Explanation
In recent decades, researchers have started using the term "participants" to refer to the individuals being studied. This term is more inclusive and respectful compared to previous terms like "subjects" or "patients." "Participants" implies that individuals are actively involved in the research process and have willingly agreed to take part in the study. This change in terminology reflects a shift towards a more ethical and collaborative approach in research.Rate this question:
- 26.
In an experiment, are the responses the "independent variable" or the "dependent variable"? Pyrczak p7
Explanation
In an experiment, the dependent variable refers to the variable that is being measured or observed. It is the outcome or result that is expected to change as a result of manipulating the independent variable. In this case, the responses of the participants are being measured or observed, making them the dependent variable.Rate this question:
- 27.
If samples yield "statistics," what do populations yield? Pyrczak p11
Explanation
When samples yield "statistics," it means that they provide information about a specific group or subset of a population. In contrast, populations yield "parameters," which refer to the characteristics or attributes of an entire population. Parameters are typically used to make inferences or draw conclusions about the entire population based on the information obtained from a sample. Therefore, the correct answer is parameters.Rate this question:
- 28.
What are the most commonly used symbols for the mean in academic journals? Pyrczak p37
Explanation
In academic journals, the most commonly used symbols for the mean are M and m. These symbols are used to represent the average or central tendency of a set of data. The capital letter M is often used to represent the population mean, while the lowercase letter m is used to represent the sample mean. Using these symbols helps to clearly and concisely communicate statistical information in academic writing.Rate this question:
- 29.
What is the symbol for the standard deviation when a population has been studied? Pyrczak p49
Explanation
The symbol "S" represents the standard deviation when a population has been studied. The standard deviation is a measure of the dispersion or variability of a set of data points. It tells us how spread out the data is from the mean. In this context, "S" is used to represent the standard deviation of a population that has been studied, as opposed to "s" which represents the standard deviation of a sample.Rate this question:
- 30.
What term is used to refer to all members of a group in which a researcher has an interest? Pyrczak p11
Explanation
The term "population" is used to refer to all members of a group in which a researcher has an interest. This could be a group of individuals, objects, or events that share common characteristics and are of interest to the researcher. The population is the entire group that the researcher wants to study and draw conclusions about, and it is important to define the population clearly in order to ensure the validity and generalizability of the research findings.Rate this question:
- 31.
According to Pyrczak, is all research in which biased samples are used worthless? Pyrczak p13
Explanation
Pyrczak argues that not all research using biased samples is worthless. The statement "no" suggests that Pyrczak does not believe that biased samples render all research worthless. This implies that there may be instances where research using biased samples can still provide valuable insights or contribute to the existing body of knowledge. However, without further context or information, it is difficult to provide a more detailed explanation.Rate this question:
- 32.
If you rank employees from most cooperative to least cooperative, which scale of measurement are you using? Pyrczak p17
Explanation
When ranking employees from most cooperative to least cooperative, we are using the ordinal scale of measurement. The ordinal scale allows us to assign a rank or order to the employees based on their level of cooperativeness. It does not provide information about the magnitude of the differences between the ranks but only focuses on the relative positioning of the employees in terms of cooperativeness.Rate this question:
- 33.
In a distribution with a positive skew, does the "mean" or the "median" have a higher value? Pyrczak p43
Explanation
In a distribution with a positive skew, the mean will have a higher value compared to the median. This is because a positive skew indicates that the tail of the distribution is stretched towards the higher values, causing a few extremely high values to pull the mean upward. On the other hand, the median represents the middle value of the data set and is not as affected by extreme values, making it less likely to be influenced by the positive skew. Therefore, the mean will generally be higher in a distribution with a positive skew.Rate this question:
- 34.
If all the participants in a group have the same score, what is the value of the standard deviation of the scores? Pyrczak p 49
Explanation
If all the participants in a group have the same score, the standard deviation of the scores would be 0. This is because the standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of a set of values from their mean. However, if all the values are the same, there is no variability or dispersion, resulting in a standard deviation of 0.Rate this question:
- 35.
If the differences among a set of scores are small, this indicates which of the following? Pyrczak p49
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There is much variability
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There is little variability
Correct Answer
A. There is little variabilityExplanation
If the differences among a set of scores are small, this indicates that there is little variability. This means that the scores in the set are very similar to each other and there is not much variation or spread between them.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Does everyday observation employ the empirical approach? Pyrczak p3
Correct Answer
yesExplanation
Everyday observation does employ the empirical approach because it involves gathering information through direct observation and personal experience. This approach relies on using the senses to gather data and make observations about the world around us. By relying on what we can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, everyday observation follows the principles of the empirical approach, which emphasizes the importance of evidence and observation in understanding the world.Rate this question:
- 37.
The observations that researchers make result in what? Pyrczak p4
Correct Answer
dataExplanation
Researchers make observations in order to collect data. Data refers to the information or facts that are gathered through observation or experimentation. It can be in the form of numerical values, measurements, or qualitative descriptions. The purpose of collecting data is to analyze and interpret it in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, or support or refute hypotheses. Therefore, the correct answer is data.Rate this question:
- 38.
In which type of study are treatments given in order to see how participants respond? Pyrczak p7
Correct Answer
experimentExplanation
In an experiment, treatments are given to participants in order to observe and analyze their responses. This type of study allows researchers to determine the effectiveness or impact of a particular treatment or intervention on the participants. By comparing the responses of the treatment group to a control group or different treatment groups, researchers can draw conclusions about the effects of the treatments being studied.Rate this question:
- 39.
Does random sampling produce sampling errors? Pyrczak p13
Correct Answer
yesExplanation
Random sampling does produce sampling errors. This is because random sampling involves selecting a sample from a larger population in a way that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. However, due to the inherent variability in any population, the sample selected may not perfectly represent the entire population, leading to sampling errors. These errors can occur when the sample does not accurately reflect the characteristics or attributes of the population, resulting in potential biases and inaccuracies in the conclusions drawn from the sample.Rate this question:
- 40.
What is the name of the lowest scale of measurement? Pyrczak p17
Correct Answer
nominalExplanation
The lowest scale of measurement is called nominal. Nominal measurement involves categorizing data into distinct groups or categories, without any numerical or quantitative value assigned to them. It is the simplest form of measurement where data is classified into different labels or names. In nominal measurement, the categories are mutually exclusive and there is no inherent order or hierarchy among them. This type of measurement is often used for variables such as gender, ethnicity, or marital status, where individuals are simply grouped into different categories based on their characteristics.Rate this question:
- 41.
If you measure the wieght of participants in pounds, which scale of measurement are you using? Pyrczak p18
Correct Answer
ratioExplanation
If you measure the weight of participants in pounds, you are using the ratio scale of measurement. The ratio scale allows for the comparison of measurements using a true zero point, meaning that a value of zero represents the absence of the measured attribute. In this case, a weight of zero pounds would indicate the absence of weight. Additionally, the ratio scale allows for meaningful ratios to be calculated, such as comparing one participant's weight to another by dividing their weights.Rate this question:
- 42.
What is the symbol for frequency? Pyrczak p27
Correct Answer
fExplanation
The symbol for frequency is represented by the letter "f".Rate this question:
- 43.
For what does N stand? Pyrczak p27
Correct Answer
number of participantsExplanation
The letter "N" stands for the number of participants. This is a common notation used in research studies to represent the total number of individuals or subjects included in the study. It helps in providing a clear and concise way to refer to the sample size or population size in statistical analyses and reporting.Rate this question:
- 44.
What is the name of the type of distribution that has two high points? Pyrczak p34
Correct Answer
bimodalExplanation
Bimodal distribution refers to a type of distribution that has two high points. In other words, it is a distribution with two distinct modes. This means that there are two values or ranges of values that occur most frequently in the dataset, resulting in two peaks on the distribution graph. The term "bimodal" is derived from the Latin word "bi" meaning two and "modal" meaning mode, indicating the presence of two modes in the distribution.Rate this question:
- 45.
Which type of distribution is found much less frequently in research than the others? Pyrczak p34
Correct Answer
bimodalExplanation
Bimodal distribution is the correct answer because it refers to a distribution that has two distinct peaks or modes. This type of distribution is found much less frequently in research compared to other distributions like normal, uniform, or skewed distributions. Bimodal distributions are less common because they require the presence of two separate groups or populations within the data, which is not often observed in research studies.Rate this question:
- 46.
For a given distribution, if you subtract the mean from each score to get deviations and then sum the deviations, what will the sum of the deviations equal? Pyrczak p38
Correct Answer
0Explanation
When you subtract the mean from each score to get deviations, you are essentially calculating how much each score deviates from the average. By definition, the mean is the average of all the scores, so when you sum up these deviations, the positive deviations will cancel out the negative deviations. This means that the sum of the deviations will equal zero.Rate this question:
- 47.
If all participants have the same score on a test, what should be said about the variability in the set of scores? Pyrczak p45
Correct Answer
there is no variabilityExplanation
If all participants have the same score on a test, it means that there is no difference or deviation in their scores. Variability refers to the spread or dispersion of scores in a set of data. In this case, since all participants have the same score, there is no variability present in the set of scores.Rate this question:
- 48.
If a researcher uses a sample of volunteers from a population, should we presume that the sample is biased? Pyrczak p 12
Correct Answer
yesExplanation
If a researcher uses a sample of volunteers from a population, it is reasonable to presume that the sample is biased. This is because volunteers may not represent the entire population accurately, as they may possess certain characteristics or motivations that differ from the general population. Therefore, the findings from this sample may not be generalizable to the larger population, leading to biased results.Rate this question:
- 49.
If you read that the median equals 42 on a test, what percentage of participants have scores higher than 42? Pyrczak p41
Correct Answer
50%Explanation
The median is the middle value in a set of data when arranged in ascending or descending order. If the median equals 42, it means that 50% of the participants have scores higher than 42 and the other 50% have scores lower than 42. Therefore, the percentage of participants with scores higher than 42 is 50%.Rate this question:
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