The answer is standard deviation, as it is a classic example of descriptive statistics because it quantifies the spread or variability within a single dataset using a single number, summarizing how much individual data points deviate from the mean without inferring anything about a larger population. This aligns with the core function of descriptive statistics: to describe and summarize observed data, not to draw conclusions beyond it. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between descriptive and inferential statistics, often appearing in multiple-select questions where common traps include confusing measures like the correlation coefficient—which is also descriptive as it describes the strength of a relationship—with inferential tools like p-values or confidence intervals. A helpful memory tip is to think of descriptive statistics as “just the facts” about your sample: they describe what you see, using measures like mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation, without making predictions or generalizations.
DA0-001 Analyzing and Modeling Data Practice Question
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of analyzing and modeling data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE of the following are examples of descriptive statistics? (Select THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Correlation coefficient
The correlation coefficient (A) is a descriptive statistic because it quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables using a single number (ranging from -1 to +1) without making inferences about a larger population. It simply describes the observed data's association, which is the core function of descriptive statistics.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Correlation coefficient
Why this is correct
Correlation coefficient describes the strength of a linear relationship, a descriptive statistic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Mean
Why this is correct
Mean is a measure of central tendency, a descriptive statistic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
P-value
Why it's wrong here
P-value is used in hypothesis testing, an inferential statistic.
✗
Regression coefficient
Why it's wrong here
Regression coefficient is used in modeling, an inferential statistic.
✓
Standard deviation
Why this is correct
Standard deviation measures dispersion, a descriptive statistic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics by including p-values and regression coefficients as distractors, exploiting the common misconception that any numerical summary of data is descriptive.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Descriptive statistics summarize data features (e.g., central tendency, dispersion, association) without generalizing beyond the sample. The mean (B) is the arithmetic average, standard deviation (E) measures spread around the mean, and correlation coefficient (A) measures linear dependence—all purely descriptive. In contrast, p-values and regression coefficients rely on probability distributions and sampling theory to draw conclusions about populations, placing them in inferential statistics.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Analyzing and Modeling Data — This question tests Analyzing and Modeling Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Correlation coefficient — The correlation coefficient (A) is a descriptive statistic because it quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables using a single number (ranging from -1 to +1) without making inferences about a larger population. It simply describes the observed data's association, which is the core function of descriptive statistics.
What should I do if I get this DA0-001 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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