MCAT Math Question 19: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 19

4. A researcher wishes to generate a parameter for American women's mean weight. Which of the following is the most significant concern?

  • A. Measuring a person's weight may have psychological consequences and is unethical.
  • B. Gathering all of the necessary study participants would be prohibitive.
  • C. Knowing the average weight of women does not provide any useful information.
  • D. Enough studies have already been conducted on this topic to render it unnecessary.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

A parameter is a population measure, so to calculate it, every single member must be measured. Identifying, measuring, and recording data for a population that large—over 150 million—is essentially impossible. Common biometric measures, if not misused, generally neither cause significant psychological harm nor are unethical, eliminating choice (A). Knowing a mean weight could have major ramifications, including public health measures, medical recommendations, and shifting of body image, eliminating choice (C). While a number of studies on weight have been performed, there is not yet a parameter describing the entire population, eliminating choice (D).

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