Virtual Job Tryout Data Analysis and Interpretation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two analysts report the same dataset's average as $52 and $48 respectively. The most likely reason for the discrepancy is:
- They used different subsets of the data (Correct answer)
- Math errors always occur
- Averages cannot be calculated differently
- The data contains no variation
Correct answer: They used different subsets of the data
Different filters, date ranges, or inclusion criteria for the same dataset commonly produce different averages.
Question 2: A table shows units sold per rep: Rep 1=210, Rep 2=185, Rep 3=240, Rep 4=195, Rep 5=220. What is the range of units sold?
- 55 (Correct answer)
- 45
- 60
- 50
Correct answer: 55
Range = maximum (240) − minimum (185) = 55.
Question 3: A manager sees that customer complaints dropped 40% after a new policy. Before concluding the policy caused the drop, what should she also consider?
- Whether other factors changed simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Whether complaints are ever valid
- Whether the policy cost money
- Whether the data is from this year
Correct answer: Whether other factors changed simultaneously
Correlation does not equal causation; other simultaneous changes could explain the drop.
Question 4: An inventory report shows 5 items with stock levels: 0, 0, 12, 45, 88. What is the median stock level?
- 12 (Correct answer)
- 0
- 29
- 45
Correct answer: 12
Ordered values: 0, 0, 12, 45, 88 — the middle (3rd) value is 12.
Question 5: A company's cost per acquisition (CPA) dropped from $120 to $96. What is the percentage decrease?
- 20% (Correct answer)
- 24%
- 25%
- 18%
Correct answer: 20%
($120 − $96) / $120 × 100 = 20% decrease.
Question 6: You are analyzing survey data where 1=Strongly Disagree and 5=Strongly Agree. An average score of 2.1 indicates:
- Respondents mostly disagree (Correct answer)
- Respondents mostly agree
- Respondents are neutral
- The scale was reversed
Correct answer: Respondents mostly disagree
A score of 2.1 is below the neutral midpoint of 3, indicating overall disagreement.
Question 7: Sales data is presented in thousands. A cell reads '1,245.' What is the actual value?
- 1,245,000 (Correct answer)
- 124,500
- 12,450
- 1,245
Correct answer: 1,245,000
If units are in thousands, 1,245 (thousands) = 1,245,000.
Two analysts report the same dataset's average as $52 and $48 respectively.
The most likely reason for the discrepancy is: