Toronto Metropolitan University

QMS 210

Module 1
Parameter Vs Statistic
 Statistic is a sample of a population
 Parameter is a whole population
Example: The average score for a class of 28 students taking a calculus midterm exam was 72%.
Answer: The value is a parameter because the class of 28 students is a population
Example: Some people responded to this request: "Dial 1-900-PRO-LIFE to participate in a telephone poll
on abortion. ($4.45 per minute. Average call: 2 minutes. You must be 18 years old.)"
a) Identify the sample
b) Identify the population.
c) Determine whether the sample is likely to be representative of the population.
Answer:
a) The sample is all individuals who responded.
b) The population is all individuals who are at least 18 years of age.
c) No, the sample is not likely to be representative of the population because those with strong
opinions about abortion are more likely to respond.
Categorical (qualitative) or Numerical
Example:
The following information is collected from students upon exiting the campus bookstore during the first
week of classes.
a) Expected time until return
b) Weight
c) Academic minor
d) Number of computers owned
e) The number of stores a person visited in the past month
f) A person's favorite department store
g) The time a person spent exercising in the past month
Answer: