SATRanker
SAT Math Practice
Sample Statistics and Margin of Error

Interpret what a poll's margin of error actually tells you about sampling variability.

81 original sample statistics and margin of error questions in the SAT Ranker bank, with instant scoring and an Elo-based rank once you sign up. Below are a few free samples with full explanations.

Sign up free to practice all 81Try ranked mode
Sample question 1 · medium

A poll of 200 randomly selected voters found that 53% support a proposed policy, with a reported margin of error of 4%. Which choice best interprets the margin of error?

It reflects the expected variability between this sample's result and the true population value, due to random sampling.
It proves that the poll's methodology contained no errors.
It guarantees that the true population support is exactly 53%.
It measures how many respondents refused to answer the survey.

A margin of error describes the expected range of variation between a sample statistic and the true population value due to random sampling, not a guarantee, a proof of methodology, or a nonresponse rate.

Sample question 2 · medium

A poll of 400 randomly selected voters found that 51% support a proposed policy, with a reported margin of error of 5%. Which choice best interprets the margin of error?

It measures how many respondents refused to answer the survey.
It guarantees that the true population support is exactly 51%.
It reflects the expected variability between this sample's result and the true population value, due to random sampling.
It proves that the poll's methodology contained no errors.

A margin of error describes the expected range of variation between a sample statistic and the true population value due to random sampling, not a guarantee, a proof of methodology, or a nonresponse rate.

Sample question 3 · medium

A poll of 200 randomly selected voters found that 58% support a proposed policy, with a reported margin of error of 5%. Which choice best interprets the margin of error?

It reflects the expected variability between this sample's result and the true population value, due to random sampling.
It measures how many respondents refused to answer the survey.
It proves that the poll's methodology contained no errors.
It guarantees that the true population support is exactly 58%.

A margin of error describes the expected range of variation between a sample statistic and the true population value due to random sampling, not a guarantee, a proof of methodology, or a nonresponse rate.

Sample question 4 · medium

A poll of 1000 randomly selected voters found that 41% support a proposed policy, with a reported margin of error of 2%. Which choice best interprets the margin of error?

It measures how many respondents refused to answer the survey.
It proves that the poll's methodology contained no errors.
It guarantees that the true population support is exactly 41%.
It reflects the expected variability between this sample's result and the true population value, due to random sampling.

A margin of error describes the expected range of variation between a sample statistic and the true population value due to random sampling, not a guarantee, a proof of methodology, or a nonresponse rate.

Sample question 5 · medium

A poll of 800 randomly selected voters found that 50% support a proposed policy, with a reported margin of error of 3%. Which choice best interprets the margin of error?

It proves that the poll's methodology contained no errors.
It reflects the expected variability between this sample's result and the true population value, due to random sampling.
It guarantees that the true population support is exactly 50%.
It measures how many respondents refused to answer the survey.

A margin of error describes the expected range of variation between a sample statistic and the true population value due to random sampling, not a guarantee, a proof of methodology, or a nonresponse rate.

More topics
SAT Math skills
Linear Equations in One VariableLinear Equations in Two VariablesLinear FunctionsLinear InequalitiesSystems of Linear EquationsEquivalent ExpressionsNonlinear Equations and SystemsNonlinear FunctionsRatios, Rates, Proportions, and UnitsPercentagesOne-Variable DataTwo-Variable DataProbabilityEvaluating Statistical ClaimsRight Triangles and TrigonometryCirclesArea and VolumeLines, Angles, and Triangles