In a statistical study, the sample is
A. the entire group of individuals about which we want information
B. the entire group of individuals from which we actually collect information
C. the set of individuals who choose to respond to survey questions
D. none of the above
This question is boggling my mind.
Check the first two definitions
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sample
In order to find the answer to this question, let's break down each option and use the process of elimination.
A. The entire group of individuals about which we want information: This refers to the population, not the sample. The population is the entire group that we want to study or collect data from.
B. The entire group of individuals from which we actually collect information: This is the definition of a population, not a sample. A sample is a subset of a population, meaning it is selected from the population. Therefore, option B is incorrect.
C. The set of individuals who choose to respond to survey questions: This option is talking about the respondents of a survey. While respondents may be included in a sample, they do not represent the entire sample. Their responses are simply a part of the broader data collected.
D. None of the above: Based on our analysis so far, options A, B, and C seem to be incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is likely D, none of the above.
To confirm our answer, we can refer to the definition of a sample. In statistics, a sample is a subset or smaller group selected from a larger population. It is chosen in such a way that it can provide representative information about the population from which it is drawn.
So, to summarize, the correct answer to the question "In a statistical study, the sample is" is D. none of the above.