Question

In a survey, 15 high school students said they could drive and 15 said they could not. Out of 60 college students surveyed, 30 said they could drive. Micah concluded that knowing that a person is in college means they are more likely to drive. Is Micah’s conclusion correct? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer:

No.

Step-by-step explanation:

#1, the sample size is not indicative of a proper high school population, unless of all there is a small amount of students in the high school (or even only 30 students in it). On a individual basis, it can vary widely, and so data analysis such as this is not correct. The data size is skewed as well for the college, especially as college campuses typically house more students then usual. To only ask 60 college students also skew the data gotten. Another sample error may be locational error, in which the location of the schools may warrant the need for a driver license, or if it is not needed, as well as the distance of the student's house and/or where needed facilities are to accommodate a student's needs and desires.

If we were to set all these problems aside and focus more on the question, 15 high school students said they could drive, and 15 said they could not, which makes the sample size of 30 high school students in all. 15 say they can drive, therefore:

15/30 = 1/2, or there is a 50% chance of obtaining a student that can drive.

On the other hand, out of 60 college students surveyed, 30 said they can drive, therefore:

30/60 = 1/2, or there is a 50% chance of obtaining a student that can drive.

∴ Micah's prediction is incorrect in obtaining a college student that can drive more easily then obtaining one that can drive in a high school.

However, remember that too small of a data size can lead to a heavy skew, and it will not represent reality as well.

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