Question

for the following study, identify the population, sample population, parameter, and sample statistic.

astronomers typically determine the distance to a galaxy (a huge collection of billions of stars) by measuring the distances to just a few stars within it and taking the mean (average) of these distance measurements.

identify the sample. choose the correct answer below.

a. all stars
b. all stars in the galaxy
c. all galaxies
d. the stars that were selected for measurement

what is the population parameter?

a. the mean distance between all stars that were selected for measurements and earth
b. the distances between each star in the galaxy and earth
c. the distances found in the study
d. the mean distance between all stars in the galaxy and earth

Explanation:

Identify the sample

Using the Sample vs Population knowledge point
The study aims to determine the distance to a galaxy by measuring the distances to just a few stars within it. The sample is the subset of the population actually observed.

• Population: All stars in the galaxy.
• Sample: The stars that were selected for measurement.

Therefore, the correct choice is D.

Identify the population parameter

Using the Population Parameter knowledge point
A parameter is a numerical characteristic of the entire population. Here, the population consists of all stars in the galaxy, and we want to find the overall distance (the mean distance of all these stars).

• Parameter: The mean distance between all stars in the galaxy and Earth.
• Statistic: The mean distance of the selected sample stars.

Therefore, the correct choice is D.

Answer:

Question 1

• (A) All stars
• (B) All stars in the galaxy
• (C) All galaxies
• (D) The stars that were selected for measurement (Correct answer)

Question 2

• (A) The mean distance between all stars that were selected for measurements and Earth
• (B) The distances between each star in the galaxy and Earth
• (C) The distances found in the study
• (D) The mean distance between all stars in the galaxy and Earth (Correct answer)