Communication Research

Descriptive Statistics

Multiple Choice


1	Descriptive statistics convey:
		A)	essential information about the sample.
		B)	essential information about the population.
		C)	essential information about variables in a data set.
		D)	the ratio of the population that participates in the sample.
		E)	the return rate in a survey research project.


2	The normal curve:
		A)	is a theoretical distribution of scores.
		B)	is asymmetrical.
		C)	has the mean, median, and mode at different points of the curve.
		D)	exists for each variable.


3	A skewed curve is:
		A)	symmetrical.
		B)	characterized by identical left and right slopes.
		C)	characterized by the mean, median, and mode in the same location.
		D)	characterized by the data being bunched to one side or the other.
		E)	a theoretical distribution of scores.


4	Measures of central tendency:
		A)	are the standard deviation and range.
		B)	are the mean, median, and mode.
		C)	describe the dispersion of scores.
		D)	are the percentages used to describe the demographic characteristics of the sample.


5	The mean:
		A)	is the most commonly reported measure of central tendency.
		B)	is the most sensitive to extremely high or low scores.
		C)	depends upon each and every score.
		D)	is also known as the average.
		E)	all of the above.


6	The standard deviation is the:
		A)	lowest score given by any participant.
		B)	highest score given by any participant.
		C)	representation of variability in the data set.
		D)	computation found by adding all scores and dividing by the number of cases.
		E)	computation found by subtracting the lowest score from the highest score.

2001 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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