Question

For each of the following situations, state whether the parameter of interest is a mean or a proportion.

(a) A poll shows that 64% of Americans personally worry a great deal about federal spending and the budget deficit.

(b) A survey reports that local TV news has shown a 17% increase in revenue between 2009 and 2011 while newspaper revenues decreased by 6.4% during this time period.

(c) In a survey, high school and college students are asked whether or not they use geolocation services on thier smart phones.

(d) In a survey, smart phone users are asked whether or not they used a web-based taxi serivce.

(e) In a survey, smart phone users are asked how many times they used a web-based taxi service over the last year.

Answer 1

Solution:

(a).It is a Proportion, because worry or not worry is categorical.

(b) It is a mean, because we are interested in revenue and here revenue increase or decrease over time.

(c) It is a Proportion, because yes or no is categorical Variable So we use Proportion.

(d) It is a Proportion, because yes or no is categorical Variable So we use Proportion.

(e) It is a Mean, because it is a number over time.