A statistical question is a question that can be answered by collecting data and analyzing it using statistical methods. It is a question that anticipates variability in the data and requires numerical information to be answered. A statistical question typically cannot be answered with a definitive “yes” or “no” response.
Some key characteristics of a statistical question are:

1. Requires data: Statistical questions require data to be collected or obtained from a relevant source to answer the question.
2. Anticipates variability: Statistical questions anticipate that there will be variability or differences in the data collected, as opposed to a single, definitive answer.
3. Quantitative: Statistical questions involve numerical or quantitative data, such as measurements, counts, or scores.
4. Allows for analysis: The data collected can be analyzed using statistical methods, such as calculating measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of variability (range, standard deviation), or making inferences about a population based on a sample.

Examples of statistical questions:

• What is the average height of students in a particular grade level?
• How many hours of sleep do adults in a city typically get per night?
• What is the proportion of households in a neighborhood that recycle?
• Is there a difference in test scores between students who attended a tutoring program and those who did not?

In contrast, questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” or a definitive statement are not statistical questions. For example, “Is the capital of France Paris?” or “What is the boiling point of water at sea level?” are not statistical questions.
Statistical questions are essential in research, surveys, experiments, and data analysis, as they allow for the collection and analysis of data to gain insights, make comparisons, and draw conclusions about a population or phenomenon.