Determine whether the statement describes a descriptive or inferential statistic. A survey of 1040 people revealed that 60% are self-conscious about their weight; therefore it can be assumed that 60% of the U.S. population are self-conscious about their weight.

Answer

The correct answer is Inferential Statistic. In statistics, there is a clear distinction between descriptive and inferential methods. Descriptive statistics involve summarizing, organizing, and graphing data derived from a sample or specific group without making conclusions beyond that dataset. Inferential statistics, on the other hand, involve using sample data to make generalizations, predictions, or assumptions about a larger population. In this scenario, the data collected from a sample of 1040 people is being used to make a generalized assumption (infer) about the entire U.S. population. Because the statement moves from a small, specific group to a much larger, general population, it is an example of an inferential statistic.