| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | S2 (Statistics 2) |
| Marks | 6 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Poisson distribution |
| Type | Explain or apply conditions in context |
| Difficulty | Easy -1.8 This is a straightforward question on survey methodology and basic statistical concepts requiring only recall and simple application. Part (a) asks for standard definitions (census vs sample) with no calculation, and part (b) requires identifying that traffic flow can be modeled by a Poisson distribution—a direct textbook application with no problem-solving or mathematical work required. |
| Spec | 2.01a Population and sample: terminology2.01d Select/critique sampling: in context2.04h Select appropriate distribution |
The small village of Tornep has a preservation society which is campaigning for a new by-pass to be built. The society needs to measure
(i) the strength of opinion amongst the residents of Tornep for the scheme and
(ii) the flow of traffic through the village on weekdays.
The society wants to know whether to use a census or a sample survey for each of these measures.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item In each case suggest which they should use and specify a suitable sampling frame. [4]
For the measurement of traffic flow through Tornep,
\item suggest a suitable statistic and a possible statistical model for this statistic. [2]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel S2 Q1 [6]}}