Exploring Statistical Questions

What are the two essential elements of a statistical question?

• Data that does not change over time

• Asking multiple questions

• Data that varies and involves multiple data points

• Questions that have a single, unchanging answer

Why is 'How old are you?' considered a non-statistical question?

• It can have multiple correct answers

• It involves asking multiple people

• It is about age, which doesn't change

• It only involves one person and one data point

What makes 'How old is the average sixth grader?' a statistical question?

• It requires data from only one source

• It asks about a specific individual

• It involves collecting varied data from many individuals

• It has a single, fixed answer

Is 'How many people live in the United States?' a statistical question?

• Yes, because it involves a large population

• No, because it seeks a single, specific answer

• Yes, because the population changes over time

• No, because it doesn't involve asking individuals

Why is 'How many days are there in October?' considered non-statistical?

• Because it involves a calculation

• Because it changes every year

• Because it has a single, unchanging answer

• Because it doesn't involve people

What characteristic makes a question statistical?

• Seeking information that doesn't change

• Focusing on a single data point

• Collecting varied data from multiple sources

• Asking about personal preferences

Is 'How many people are in this class?' a statistical question?

• Yes, because the number can change

• No, because it's about a specific location

• No, because it expects a single, consistent answer

• Yes, because it involves a group of people

Why does 'How many pencils does every student in this class have?' qualify as a statistical question?

• Because pencils are commonly used by students

• Because it requires gathering varied data from many students

• Because it's about school supplies

• Because it involves counting objects

What is a key factor in determining if a question is statistical?

• The question must be answerable with a 'yes' or 'no'

• The answers to the question must vary among the group

• The question must involve a large group of people

• The question must be about numbers

How can you ensure a question is statistical?

• By involving multiple people and expecting varied responses

• By asking it at different times

• By making sure it can be answered with 'yes' or 'no'

• By focusing on a single, precise topic