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A paper-helicopter team is planning a test. Classify each question as statistical or non-statistical. For every statistical question, state what could vary.
a) “How long did Ava’s helicopter stay in the air on its first drop?”
b) “How long do the team’s helicopters stay in the air when each is dropped once?”
c) “How high is the classroom ceiling?”
d) “Which blade design do the team members choose for their helicopters?”
Hints
- Decide whether each question is meant to produce one fixed answer or a collection of answers.
- For a collection of answers, consider whether all responses are expected to be identical.
- Variability can occur in categories as well as in numerical measurements.
Solution
1. Question a) asks for one fixed result from one identified drop, so it is non-statistical.
2. Question b) expects different flight times from several helicopters, so it is statistical; the time in the air can vary.
3. Question c) asks for one fixed measurement of one ceiling, so it is non-statistical.
4. Question d) expects different categorical choices from several team members, so it is statistical; the chosen blade design can vary.
Answer
a) Non-statistical.
b) Statistical; the flight times can vary.
c) Non-statistical.
d) Statistical; the blade-design choices can vary.
