Q 1.15. - Elementary Statistics

Question

Genocide. The document "American Attitudes about Genocide" provided highlights of a nationwide poll with 1000 participants. The survey, conducted by Penn Schoen Berland between June 30 and July 10, 2012, revealed that "66% of respondents believe that genocide is preventable." 

(a). Is the statement in quotes an inferential or a descriptive statement? Explain your answer. 

(b). Based on the same information, what if the statement had been "66% of Americans believe that genocide is preventable"?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part (a) Descriptive statement. 

Part (b) Inferential Statement.

Part (a) Step 1. Given information.

The given statement is:

The document "American Attitudes about Genocide" provided highlights of a nationwide poll with 1000 participants. The survey, conducted by Penn Schoen Berland between June 30 and July 10, 2012, revealed that "66% of respondents believe that genocide is preventable."

Part (a) Step 2. Check if the statement in quotes is an inferential or a descriptive statement.

We can observe from the given study that 66% of respondents believe that genocide is preventable.

In other words, 1000 people were surveyed and 66% of them said that genocide is preventable.

As a result, the percentage is based on the number of people who responded to the survey.

As a result, the reported percentage can be interpreted as a descriptive statement.

Part (b) Step 1. What if the statement had been "66% of Americans believe that genocide is preventable.

The new statement says what if the statement had been "66% of Americans believe that genocide is preventable".

It means the new percentage represents all the Americans.

It is based on the population.

As a result, the reported percentage can be interpreted as inferential statement.