Since a sample is a subset of the population, the sample mean
A)is always smaller than the mean of the population
B)is always larger than the mean of the population
C)must be equal to the mean of the population
D)can be larger, smaller, or equal to the mean of the population

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sample mean can be larger, smaller, or equal to the mean of the population. The sample mean is an estimate of the population mean, and since samples are randomly selected, it is possible for the sample mean to be higher or lower than the population mean. However, as the sample size increases, the sample mean tends to get closer to the population mean.

Since a Sample Is a Subset of the Population, the Sample