Final answer:
The question explores whether Denver has a higher percentage of women-owned businesses compared to the 26% national average, through a survey of 410 local businesses to understand regional gender stratification within business ownership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a Denver researcher's belief that the percentage of businesses owned by women in the Denver area is higher than the U.S. national average of 26%, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. To investigate this, a consulting firm conducts a survey of 410 randomly selected businesses in Denver to determine the percentage of women-owned businesses.
This statistical study would likely include methods like hypothesis testing or confidence intervals to support or refute the researcher's belief, potentially providing insight into regional variations in gender stratification within the business ownership landscape.
Small-scale and non-employer businesses, which include many types of enterprises such as dental practices and cleaning services, contribute significantly to the labor force, representing a notable share of the economy where women might have a higher ownership presence compared to larger firms.