Exam Strategy
Statistics · AP · Collecting Data
CED focus
Inference and Experiments
This topic is assessed on the AP Exam.
Multiple-choice tips
- Match procedure to parameter and design before calculating.
- Identify observational vs experiment in the stem.
- Eliminate causal language from observational designs.
- Match sampling method vocabulary (SRS, stratified, cluster).
- Spot voluntary response and convenience bias in MC.
Free-response tips
- Use State–Plan–Do–Conclude with conditions and context throughout.
- Name population, sample, and treatment in words.
- Explain how randomization supports inference.
- Identify confounding and how blocking might help.
- State whether causation is justified by the design.
Common traps
- ‘Accept H₀’ wording or skipping conditions
- Claiming causation from an observational study
- Confusing stratified and cluster sampling
- Ignoring confounding when comparing groups
Quick checklist
- [ ] Can name the sampling or experimental design
- [ ] Can explain why randomization matters
- [ ] Can state whether causation is supported