Question

question
a study was performed with a random sample of 513 bolts produced at one factory. what population would be appropriate for generalizing conclusions from the study, assuming the data collection methods used did not introduce biases?

select the correct answer below:

the conclusions would apply to all bolts produced by that factory.

the conclusions would apply to all bolts produced by any factory run by the same company.

the conclusions would apply to all bolts of the same type produced by any manufacturer.

the conclusions apply only to the bolts in the sample.

Explanation:

When generalizing from a sample, the appropriate population is the group from which the sample was randomly selected (with no bias). The sample is of bolts from one factory, so conclusions should apply to all bolts from that factory. Other options overgeneralize (to other factories, other manufacturers) or undergeneralize (only the sample).

Answer:

A. The conclusions would apply to all bolts produced by that factory.