Question

For each of the following situations state whether the parameter of interest is a mean or a proportion. Use the appropriate population symbol as well as the word mean or proportion.  

a. A poll shows that 14% of Americans personally worry about government conspiracies hiding aliens from outer space.  

b. In a survey, one hundred college students are asked what percentage of their total weekly spending is on alcoholic beverages.

c. In a survey, internet users are asked whether or not they purchased any tickets on GoldStar.

d. In a survey, internet users are asked how many tickets they purchased on GoldStar in the past year.  

Answer 1

a) Here the parameter of interest is a proportion (). The poll is asking the % of Americans personally worry about government conspiracies hiding aliens from outer space.

b) Here the parameter of interest is a proportion (). Here one hundred college students are asking what percentage of their total weekly spending is on alcoholic beverages.

c) Here the parameter of interest is a proportion (). Proportion who said Yes or No.

d) Here the parameter of interest is a mean ()