AP Statistics Flashcards: Introducing Statistics: Why Is My Sample Not Like Yours?
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.
What might cause variation in sample statistics that is considered 'not random'?
Non-random variation suggests a systematic influence, such as a biased sampling method or a genuine difference between the groups being sampled.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What might cause variation in sample statistics that is considered 'not random'?
Non-random variation suggests a systematic influence, such as a biased sampling method or a genuine difference between the groups being sampled.
Why is it impossible for your random sample's statistics to be exactly like my random sample's statistics, even from the same population?
Due to the nature of random sampling, each sample will almost certainly contain a different collection of individuals, leading to variation in the calculated statistics.
What does "variation in statistics" refer to when analyzing samples from the same population?
It refers to the differences observed in calculated statistics (like means or proportions) from one sample to another, even when they are drawn from the same population.
If two researchers take separate random samples from the same high school and find different average GPAs, what is the most likely explanation for the difference?
The difference is most likely due to random variation, as each random sample, by chance, included a different set of students from the same population.
What are the two potential classifications for the variation observed in statistics from samples of the same population?
The variation in statistics for samples from the same population may be classified as either random or not random.
What is the term for the natural, expected difference between statistics calculated from different samples of the same population?
This is known as sampling variability or random variation.
What is the primary question suggested by the fact that statistics vary between samples?
The main question is whether the observed variation is due to random chance alone or if it is caused by a non-random, systematic factor.
What is meant by 'random' variation in sample statistics?
Random variation refers to the expected, chance-based differences between sample statistics that occur naturally when different samples are drawn from the same population.
A pollster finds that samples taken via landline phones show different results than samples taken via cell phones from the same city. Is this variation likely random or not?
This variation is likely not random because the sampling method (landline vs. cell) may be systematically reaching different demographic groups within the population.
What is the fundamental goal when comparing a statistic from one sample to a statistic from another sample?
The goal is to determine if the difference between the statistics is small enough to be attributed to random sampling variation or large enough to suggest a non-random cause.