A statistical question is one that can be answered by collecting data that vary and exhibit variability across different responses. Unlike questions with a single, fixed answer, statistical questions require gathering and analyzing data from a group or population, where the answers differ from one individual or instance to another
. Key characteristics of a statistical question include:
- It involves a group or population, not just an individual.
- The data collected will vary, meaning there is more than one possible answer.
- It typically cannot be answered with a simple yes/no or a single value.
- It often leads to analysis of patterns, averages, ranges, or distributions in the data.
Examples of statistical questions are:
- "How old are the students in my school?"
- "What proportion of students like watermelons?"
- "What is the average height of students in the class?"
- "How many pounds of food does a koala bear eat per day?" (with variability in daily amounts)
In contrast, non-statistical questions have exact answers that do not vary, such as "How many days are in March?" or "How old is your dog?"
. In summary, a statistical question seeks information about variability within a group and requires collecting and analyzing data to answer it meaningfully.
