What defines a statistical question?

• A. A question that anticipates and accounts for variability in the data collected.
• B. A question about a single measured value.
• C. A question that has yes/no answer.
• D. A question that cannot be answered with data.

Answer: (A)

A statistical question is one that expects different answers when you look at data from many observations or people. It asks about something that can vary, so you need to collect data and describe the results (like an average, a range, or a pattern) rather than getting just one exact number. For example, asking about how tall the students in the class are will produce a range of heights, and you can summarize that with an average height or the spread of heights.

That’s why this option is the best choice: it anticipates variability in the data and requires data to answer. A question about a single measured value doesn’t capture variation across individuals, so it isn’t inherently statistical. A yes/no question can sometimes relate to data, but the defining feature of a statistical question is that it involves data that can vary across many cases. A question that cannot be answered with data isn’t asking for a measurement at all, which is opposite of what a statistical question is.