COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
◉ In which stage of the Davenport-Kim model is problem recognition?
Answer: Framing the problem
◉ In which stage of the Davenport-Kim model is data collection?
Answer: Solving the problem
◉ What is a key reason we study statistics? Answer: To make informed
decisions
◉ Visually presenting the data assists in which stage of the Davenport-
Kim model? Answer: Communicating the results
◉ When does research fail to produce reliable results? Answer: Poor
research validity
◉ What are the two major issues surrounding research standards?
Answer: Best practices and ethics
,◉ In order to be a statistically valid sample, the sample must be:
Answer: The appropriate size and random
◉ Not selecting a random sample is what type of bias? Answer:
Measurement
◉ Not selecting a right sized sample is what type of bias? Answer:
Measurement
◉ Research best practices eliminate... Answer: Bias
◉ Outliers create this type of error Answer: Out-of Range
◉ Unpredictable error Answer: Random Error - No correlation
◉ Error may occur from missing data. (Example: Space not filled in)
Answer: Omission Error - Distorted results
◉ This error repeats itself Answer: Systematic Error - Skewed results
◉ Observation points that are distant from other observations. Answer:
Outliers Note: Can be included or excluded in analysis (causes
skewness)
, ◉ Types of Bias: Bias that occurs from not selecting a random sample
Answer: Measurement bias
◉ Types of Bias: Bias introduced because respondents believe it will be
beneficial if selected. Answer: Conscious bias (key word: benefit)
◉ Consistent and repeatable data Answer: Reliable
◉ Resulting from accurate measurements Answer: Valid data
◉ If a responder lies on their survey, this creates what type of bias?
Answer: Information
◉ Sorting your spreadsheet can expose these errors by moving them to
the very top or the very bottom of the column Answer: Omission or Out-
of-Range
◉ An error that will fix itself over time Answer: Random
◉ An error that will not fix itself. You must do something Answer:
Systematic