Q 1.13. - Elementary Statistics

Question

Thoughts on Evolution. In an article titled "Who has designs on your student's minds?" (Nature, Vol. 434, pp. 1062-1065), author G. Brumfiel postulated that support for Darwinism increases with level of education. The following table provides percentages of U.S. adults, by educational level, who believe that evolution is a scientific theory well supported by evidence.

(a) Do you think that this study is descriptive or inferential? Explain your answer.

(b) If, in fact, the study is inferential, identify the sample and population.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part (a) Inferential

Part (b) Sample:- educated individuals who were interviewed for the statistics.

Population:- U.S. Adults about whom the conclusion is being drawn.

Part (a) Step 1. Given information.

The given statement is:

The following table provides percentages of U.S. adults, by educational level, who believe that evolution is a scientific theory well supported by evidence: 

Part (a) Step 2. Classify the given study as either descriptive or inferential.

The given study is inferential in nature because it tries to reach a reliable conclusion about Geoff Brumfield's postulate.

Part (b) Step 1. Identify the sample and population.

The educated people who were interviewed for statistics make up the sample.

Adults in the United States make up the population for which a conclusion is formed.