Question

Since the sample size is always smaller than the size of the population, the sample meana. must always be smaller than the population meanb. must be larger than the population meanc. must be equal to the population meand. can be smaller, larger, or equal to the population mean

Answer 1

d. can be smaller, larger, or equal to the population mean

Explanation:

The mean of the sample will depend upon which values are selected from the population to form the sample.

The sample mean can be any value below, above or equal to the population mean.

However, as more and more samples are taken and their means found, the mean of the sample means will approach the population mean.

Answer 2

It can be smaller, larger, or equal to the population mean.

Explanation:

We know that the sample size is smaller than the size of the population, because it's a subset that must represent the population.

However, that doesn't mean the sample mean has to be smaller than the population mean, actually this stats can be smaller, equal or larger, it depends on another factors.

Therefore, the right answer is the last choice

It can be smaller, larger, or equal to the population mean.