Classification, Sampling Distributions,
Correlation & Z-Scores | 80 Practice
Questions with Explanations
Description:
Master your university STAT 101 final with 80 updated 2026/2027 practice questions.
Covers categorical vs. quantitative variables, standard deviation, z-scores, confounding,
Simpson’s paradox, and correlation.
Includes detailed answer explanations.
Download the complete 2026/2027 exam prep guide now and boost your grade.
,STAT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 – Practice Questions & Answers
Section 1: Variable Classification (20 points)
This section tests your ability to distinguish between categorical and quantitative variables,
including their subtypes.
Question 1
A researcher records the primary language spoken at home for each participant (e.g., English,
Spanish, Mandarin). This variable is best classified as:
A. Quantitative Continuous
B. Quantitative Discrete
C. Categorical Nominal
D. Categorical Ordinal
Answer: C
Explanation: Language categories have no inherent logical order or ranking, making this a
nominal categorical variable.
Question 2
The number of completed semesters a university student has finished is recorded. This
variable is:
A. Quantitative Continuous
B. Quantitative Discrete
C. Categorical Nominal
D. Categorical Ordinal
Answer: B
Explanation: The number of semesters takes on only whole, countable values (0, 1, 2, …),
which defines a discrete quantitative variable.
Question 3
Body temperature measured in degrees Celsius is an example of:
A. Quantitative Continuous
B. Quantitative Discrete
, C. Categorical Nominal
D. Categorical Ordinal
Answer: A
Explanation: Body temperature can theoretically take any value within a range (e.g., 36.7°C,
36.72°C), making it continuous.
Question 4
A survey asks patients to rate their pain level as “None,” “Mild,” “Moderate,” or “Severe.”
This variable is:
A. Quantitative Continuous
B. Quantitative Discrete
C. Categorical Nominal
D. Categorical Ordinal
Answer: D
Explanation: The categories follow a clear logical progression from least to most intense,
which defines an ordinal categorical variable.
Question 5
According to the “categorical rule” stated in the course material, a categorical variable with
exactly two groups:
A. Must be ordinal
B. Must be nominal
C. Can be either nominal or ordinal depending on context
D. Must be treated as quantitative
Answer: B
Explanation: The rule explicitly states that a categorical variable with only two groups must
be considered nominal, as no logical ordering can be established between just two categories.