Statistical Questions: Learn It 2

Survey Questions

Statistical investigative questions are the questions a researcher wants to investigate. They ask about the tendencies and likelihoods associated with a population or phenomenon. In practice, statistical investigations usually involve more than one question for data collection. The question “How many problems did you answer correctly on your most recent statistics test?” would be answered with a single numerical value. It is not a statistical investigative question. However, it is a survey question that could be used to collect data. Well-constructed survey questions are often an important part of the statistical process.

survey question

Survey questions are the questions researchers ask in order to collect data, which is expected to vary from individual to individual.

Survey questions may collect numerical or non-numerical data.

Classify the questions as statistical investigative, survey, or neither:

  • What is the square root of [latex]9[/latex]?
  • How many hours do you spend on your phone per day?
  • Is there a relationship between the amount of time students spend on their phones and the amount of time they spend studying?

Remember that if the answer to a question could be looked up and would never vary from individual to individual, it would be neither a survey nor an investigative question.
To write a good statistical question, we need to make sure:

  • There is not an exact answer.
  • The question anticipates variability.