Question

(b) what is meant by degrees of freedom? the degrees of freedom are the number of values that are free to vary after a sample statistic has been computed, and they tell the researcher which specific curve to use when a distribution select

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the concept of degrees of freedom

Degrees of freedom refer to the number of values that can vary freely in a statistical calculation.

Step2: Relate to distribution curves

When dealing with distributions like the t - distribution, the degrees of freedom determine the specific shape of the curve.

Answer:

The degrees of freedom are the number of values that are free to vary after a sample statistic has been computed, and they tell the researcher which specific curve to use when a distribution (such as the t - distribution) is being considered.