Question

Four scenarios of statistical studies are given below. Decide which study uses a population parameter.
A) The average finish time for the Ironman, Kona was 11:32 for the 1883 finishers, with an average swim time of 1:14, an average bike time of 5:53, and an average run time of 4:14.
B) In a study of 89 of the children diagnosed with cancer at Leeland Memorial Hospital, 70 children were cancer-free five years after their first diagnosis.
C) Lakeside Family Dentistry reported that 6 of the 15 patients who came in for a regular cleaning one day had at least one cavity.
D) In the 1950s, Eugene Gilbert interviewed 3975 parents and found that 29% thought rock 'n' roll should be banned from their communities

Answer 1

A) Study A uses a population parameter, as it is the average finish time for all 1883 finishers in the Ironman Kona race.
B) Study B does not use a population parameter, as it only includes 89 children diagnosed with cancer at one hospital.
C) Study C does not use a population parameter, as it only includes 15 patients who came in for a regular cleaning at Lakeside Family Dentistry.
D) Study D does not use a population parameter, as it only includes 3975 parents interviewed by Eugene Gilbert in the 1950s.