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Statistical Inference and Comparing Populations
Students use samples to estimate population characteristics and compare distributions with measures of center and variability.
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At a Glance
When does a sample support a trustworthy conclusion about a population?
Statistical inference uses sample evidence to make a reasoned statement about a population. Random sampling supports generalization; random assignment supports cause-and-effect conclusions.
Compare populations using the same displays and appropriate measures of center and spread. Consider whether a difference is large relative to the variability and recognize that sample results naturally vary.
4,327 = 4,000 + 300 + 20 + 7
Learning Targets
- Samples estimate population characteristics.
- Random sampling supports generalization.
- Random assignment supports causal conclusions.
- Compare both center and spread.
- Sampling variability is expected.
Interactive Vocabulary
Add a student-friendly definition in the Binder Page editor.
Add a student-friendly definition in the Binder Page editor.
Add a student-friendly definition in the Binder Page editor.
Add a student-friendly definition in the Binder Page editor.
Worked Examples
Survey school lunch preference
Sampling only cafeteria workers is biased.
Randomly select students across grades.
18 of 30 sampled students prefer option A
Estimate 60% of a similar population, with uncertainty.
Common Questions
Does one sample give the exact population value? No.
Can an observational study prove causation? Usually no.
Why compare spread as well as center? A difference in centers may be small relative to natural variation.
Common Misconceptions
Using a convenience sample
Identify who is excluded.
Treating an estimate as exact
Report it as an inference and discuss uncertainty.
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Warm-Up
Directions: Solve the problem. Show your thinking, then enter only your final answer.
Which is less biased: first 20 arrivals or 20 randomly selected names?
Guided Practice
Independent Practice
Directions: Solve independently. Show your work, check it, then enter only your final answer.
Which is less biased: first 20 arrivals or 20 randomly selected names?
Directions: Solve independently. Show your work, check it, then enter only your final answer.
Create and solve a second example with different values.
Challenge & Real-World Practice
Design a sampling plan for a schoolwide question. Identify two possible biases and explain how the design reduces them.
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IXL
Compare Data Sets
Open resourceIdentify Biased Samples
Open resourceKhan Academy
Sampling Distributions
Open resourceConfidence Intervals
Open resourceDeltaMath
DeltaMath: Comparing Data Sets
Open resourceDeltaMath: Sampling and Statistical Inference
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