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Chapter 1: Problem 20

Data from a poll conducted by Travelocity led to the following estimates: Approximately \(40 \%\) of travelers check their work e-mail while on vacation; about \(33 \%\) take their cell phones on vacation to stay connected with work; and about \(25 \%\) bring their laptops on vacation (San Luis Obispo Tribune, December 1,2005 ). Are the given percentages statistics or population characteristics?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The given percentages are statistics, not population characteristics, because they were derived from a sample of travelers, not the entire population of travelers.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Statistics and Population Characteristics

Let's start by defining the key terms: Statistics and population characteristics. A statistic is a numerical characteristic of a sample, whereas a population characteristic (or a parameter) is a numerical characteristic of a population. This distinction will help to answer the questions.
02

Understand the nature of data

The data provided is based on a poll conducted by Travelocity, and these percentages refer to the surveyed sample, not the whole population of all travelers.
03

Determine whether the data is a statistic or a population characteristic

Since the data are derived from a sample and not the total population, these percentages are examples of statistics, not population characteristics.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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