Inference and Experiments

Inference and Experiments is topic 3.7 of AP Statistics, inside Collecting Data. This page works through three real practice questions on it, with the full reasoning behind each credited answer.

Practise this topic freeThe whole unit
25 questionsStatistical Argumentation100% with a figure
Worked examples

Three real inference and experiments questions

From the practice pool, not the mock papers — each with the reasoning that produces the answer.

100% of them come with a figure. Reading the graph or diagram correctly is most of the work here before any content knowledge applies.

100% test a single AP skill: Statistical Argumentation. That makes this topic unusually predictable to prepare for.

Statistical Argumentation · with figure

In a library makerspace alpha cycle observational study, users choose whether to use a safety badge, and analysts compare later laser-cutter reservation. Which conclusion is justified?

  1. ANo comparison can be described at all.
  2. BA large convenience sample removes selection bias because increasing sample size alone makes the sample representative.
  3. CThe safety badge is proven to cause a change in laser-cutter reservation.
  4. DAn association may be present, but a causal effect of the safety badge is not established.correct
  5. EThe sample is automatically stratified by membership tier.
Why D is correct

Because users choose whether to use the safety badge, this is observational. It can show an association with laser-cutter reservation, but it does not by itself prove causation.

Causation limit in an observational library makerspace alpha cycle study: the important cue is the library makerspace alpha cycle setting. Match the method to the way the data are collected or the statistic is computed, then state the conclusion in the language of the stem.

Statistical Argumentation · with figure

In a school breakfast pilot alpha cycle observational study, students choose whether to use a menu sign, and analysts compare later fruit selection. Which conclusion is justified?

  1. AAn association may be present, but a causal effect of the menu sign is not established.correct
  2. BNo comparison can be described at all.
  3. CA large convenience sample removes selection bias because increasing sample size alone makes the sample representative.
  4. DThe sample is automatically stratified by cafeteria line.
  5. EThe menu sign is proven to cause a change in fruit selection.
Why A is correct

Because students choose whether to use the menu sign, this is observational. It can show an association with fruit selection, but it does not by itself prove causation.

Causation limit in an observational school breakfast pilot alpha cycle study: the important cue is the school breakfast pilot alpha cycle setting. Match the method to the way the data are collected or the statistic is computed, then state the conclusion in the language of the stem.

Statistical Argumentation · with figure

In a water-quality lab alpha cycle observational study, samples choose whether to use a field bottle, and analysts compare later nitrate reading. Which conclusion is justified?

  1. AA large convenience sample removes selection bias because increasing sample size alone makes the sample representative.
  2. BThe sample is automatically stratified by watershed.
  3. CAn association may be present, but a causal effect of the field bottle is not established.correct
  4. DNo comparison can be described at all.
  5. EThe field bottle is proven to cause a change in nitrate reading.
Why C is correct

Because samples choose whether to use the field bottle, this is observational. It can show an association with nitrate reading, but it does not by itself prove causation.

Causation limit in an observational water-quality lab alpha cycle study: the important cue is the water-quality lab alpha cycle setting. Match the method to the way the data are collected or the statistic is computed, then state the conclusion in the language of the stem.

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Last reviewed 2026-08-28. Topic and unit names follow the College Board course framework. Question counts describe the PrepScore practice bank, not the exam.
Same unit
Selecting an Experimental Design52 questionsIntroduction to Experimental Design51 questionsPotential Problems with Sampling31 questionsRandom Sampling and Data Collection30 questions

Work inference and experiments until the reasoning is automatic.

Real AP questions with a full explanation on every answer, and a mistake bank that only clears when you get it right.

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