Question

1. for each statement, decide whether it is descriptive or inferential. (a) the average life in new york is 78 years old. (b) a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables may lower high blood pressure. (c) the total estimated losses from hurricane katrina is $125 billion. (d) it has been stated that the shape of a persons brain will determine their success in college. (e) last semester, in a class of 25 students, 80% received a passing grade.

Explanation:

Descriptive statistics summarize data from a sample or population, while inferential statistics make predictions or generalizations.
(a) This is a descriptive statement as it gives the average life - span value directly observed in New York.
(b) This is an inferential statement as it makes a prediction about the relationship between a diet and high blood pressure.
(c) This is a descriptive statement as it gives the total estimated losses value.
(d) This is an inferential statement as it makes a prediction about a person's success in college based on brain shape.
(e) This is a descriptive statement as it gives the percentage of students who received a passing grade in a known class.

Answer:

(a) Descriptive
(b) Inferential
(c) Descriptive
(d) Inferential
(e) Descriptive