AP Statistics Flashcards: Introducing Statistics: Do the Data We Collected Tell the Truth?
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Why is it important to identify questions about how data was collected?
It is important because the collection method determines if the resulting conclusions are trustworthy.
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Why is it important to identify questions about how data was collected?
It is important because the collection method determines if the resulting conclusions are trustworthy.
Untrustworthy Conclusions
These are findings that cannot be relied upon, often because the data collection method used was not based on chance.
What is a crucial first step when analyzing a set of data?
A crucial first step is to identify and ask questions about the data collection methods that were used.
What is the relationship between 'chance' and the trustworthiness of a conclusion?
Conclusions are more likely to be trustworthy when the data collection is based on chance; otherwise, the conclusions can be untrustworthy.
A pollster only surveys people in a wealthy neighborhood to understand city-wide opinions. Why might their data not tell the truth?
This data may not tell the truth because the collection method was not based on chance, which can lead to untrustworthy conclusions.
When presented with a statistic, what question should you ask about its origin to assess its validity?
You should ask questions about the data collection methods to determine if they were based on chance.
Non-random Data Collection
This refers to any data collection method not based on chance, which is a primary cause of untrustworthy statistical conclusions.
Flawed Data Collection Method
A key example of a flawed data collection method is one that is not based on chance, as it can produce untrustworthy conclusions.
What is the primary risk of using a data collection method not based on chance?
Data collection methods not based on chance can lead to untrustworthy conclusions.
What is a core principle for ensuring data can lead to truthful conclusions?
To ensure data can lead to truthful conclusions, the data collection methods should be based on chance.