Statistical vs Nonstatistical Questions

Statistical vs. nonstatistical questions

A statistical question is one that expects variability in the answers. If you ask several people or observe several items, the results will usually differ, so you would need data to answer it well. A nonstatistical question has a single, fixed answer or a fact that does not depend on variation in a group.

How to decide

1. Look at what the question asks. Is it about one specific value, or about a group?
2. Ask whether answers can vary. If different people, objects, or trials could give different results, it is statistical.
3. Check whether data are needed. If you must collect multiple observations to answer, it is usually statistical.

Useful test

• Statistical: “How tall are the students in a class?” The answers vary.
• Nonstatistical: “How many students are in the class?” There is one exact answer.

When answering an exercise

Read each question carefully and classify it based on whether variation is expected. If the exercise asks for a final response, give the simplest clear classification: statistical or nonstatistical.

Quick check

A good check is to ask: “Would I expect more than one possible answer?” If yes, choose statistical. If no, choose nonstatistical.