Question 11

The size of a family in a study about sibling relationships

An example of a discrete variable is the size of a family, which counts the number of family members and can only take specific whole number values.

A) The distance traveled in a study about fuel efficiency

Distance is a continuous variable because it can take any value within a given range, including fractions and decimals. It measures a quantity that can vary infinitely and is not restricted to whole numbers.

B) The circumference of a tree in a study about invasive plant species

Circumference is also a continuous variable, as it can be measured with precision and can take on a wide range of values, including decimals. It does not represent a countable quantity but rather a measurement that can be infinitely subdivided.

C) The size of a family in a study about sibling relationships

The size of a family is a discrete variable because it represents a count of individuals, which can only be whole numbers. For example, a family can have 1, 2, or 3 members, but not 2.5 members, making it a clear example of a discrete variable.

D) The weight of a soil sample in a study about fertilizer

Weight is a continuous variable since it can be measured with great precision and can take on any value, including fractions and decimals. This means it does not fit the definition of a discrete variable, which is limited to whole number counts.

Conclusion

The correct answer, the size of a family, is definitively a discrete variable because it consists of whole counts of family members. In contrast, the other options represent continuous variables that can take a range of values, thereby failing to meet the criteria for discreteness. Understanding the differences between discrete and continuous variables is essential in data analysis and statistical methods.