AP Statistics
TOPIC B – Unit 4 MULTIPLE CHOICE
Name______________________________ Date _______________
1) Which of the following are true statements?
I. In an experiment some treatment is intentionally forced on one group to
note the response.
II. In an observational study information is gathered on an already existing
situation.
III. Sample surveys are observational studies, not experiments.
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) II and III
d) I, II and III
e) None of the above gives the complete set of true responses
2) Two studies are run to determine the effect of low levels of wine consumption
on cholesterol level. The first study measures the cholesterol levels of 100
volunteers who have not consumed alcohol in the past year and compares these
values with their cholesterol levels after one year, during which time each
volunteer drinks one glass of wine daily. The second study measures the cholesterol
levels of 100 volunteers who have not consumed alcohol in the past year, randomly
picks half the group to drink one glass of wine daily for a year while the others
drink no alcohol for the year, and finally measures their levels again. Which of the
following is a true statement?
a) The first is an observational study, while the second is an experiment.
b) The first study is an experiment, while the second is an observational
study.
c) Both studies are observational studies, but only one uses both
randomization and a control group.
d) The first study is a census of 100 volunteers, while the second study is an
experiment.
e) Both studies are experiments.
3) In one study on the effect of niacin on cholesterol level, 100 subjects who
acknowledged being long time niacin takers had their cholesterol levels compared
with those of 100 people who had never taken niacin. In a second study, 50
subjects were randomly chosen to receive niacin and 50 were chosen to receive
placebo.
a) The first study was a controlled experiment, and the second was an
observational study.
b) The first study was an observation study and the second was a controlled
experiment.
c) Both were controlled experiments.
d) Both were observational studies.
e) None of the above is correct.
4) In a 1992 London study, 12 out of 20 migraine sufferers were given chocolate
whose flavor was masked by peppermint, while remaining eight sufferers received a
similar looking, similar tasting tablet that had no chocolate. Within one day, five of
those receiving chocolate complained of migraines, while no complaints were made
by any of those who did not receive chocolate. Which of the following is a true
statement?
a) This study was an observational study of 20 migraine sufferers in which it
was noted how many came down with migraines after eating chocolate.
b) This study was a sample survey in which 12 out of 20 migraine sufferers
were picked to receive peppermint flavored chocolate.
c) A census of 20 migraine sufferers was taken, noting how many were given
chocolate and how many developed migraines.
d) A study was performed using chocolate as a placebo to study one cause of
migraines.
e) An experiment was performed comparing a treatment group that was given
chocolate to a control group that was not.
5) Suppose you wish to compare the average class size of math classes to the
average class size of English classes in our high school. Which is the most
appropriate technique for gathering the needed data?
a) Census
b) Sample survey
c) Experiment
d) Observational study
e) None of these methods is appropriate
6) Which of the following are true statements?
I. Based on careful use of control groups, experiments can often indicate
cause and effect relationship.
II. While observational studies may suggest relationships, great care must be
taken in concluding that there is cause and effect because of the lack of
control over lurking variables.
III. A complete census is the only way to establish a cause and effect
relationship absolutely.
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) II and III
e) I, II and III
f) None of the above gives the complete set of true responses
7) Two studies are run to compare the experiences of families living in high rise
public housing to those families living in townhouse subsidized rentals. The first
study interviews 25 families who have been in each government program for at
least one year, while the second study randomly assigns 25 families to each
program and interviews them after one year. Which if the following is a true
statement?
a) Both studies are observational studies because of the time period involved.
b) Both studies are observational studies because there are no control groups.
c) The first study is an observational study, while the second is an experiment.
d) The first study is an experiment, while the second is an observational study.
e) Both studies are experiments.
8) Which of the following are true statements?
I. In an experiment researchers decide how people are placed in different
groups.
II. In an observational study, the people themselves select which group
they’re in.
III. A control group is most often a self-selected grouping in an experiment.
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) II and III
d) I, II and III
e) None of the above gives the complete set of true responses
