Which term refers to the numerical values derived from data from the population as a whole?

Which term refers to the numerical values derived from data from the population as a whole?

• A. Statistics
• B. Parameters
• C. Variables
• D. Constants

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing population values from sample estimates is what this item tests. A parameter is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of the entire population, and it is typically fixed but unknown. For example, the population mean is a parameter. In contrast, a statistic is the value derived from data collected from a sample and is used to estimate the corresponding population parameter. Variables are the properties that can vary and be measured (like height or test scores), while constants are fixed values that do not change. Since the phrase refers to a single numerical value describing the whole population, the appropriate term is parameter.

Distinguishing population values from sample estimates is what this item tests. A parameter is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of the entire population, and it is typically fixed but unknown. For example, the population mean is a parameter. In contrast, a statistic is the value derived from data collected from a sample and is used to estimate the corresponding population parameter. Variables are the properties that can vary and be measured (like height or test scores), while constants are fixed values that do not change. Since the phrase refers to a single numerical value describing the whole population, the appropriate term is parameter.