---
title: "AP Statistics Question 4 FRQ Practice"
description: "36 Multi-Focus Question on Practices 2, 3, and 4s written in the AP format, each scored part by part."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-stats/frqs/frq-4"
type: "frq-type-practice"
subject: "AP Statistics"
---

# AP Statistics Question 4 FRQ Practice

## What the Question 4 FRQ asks

FRQ 4 is the last of four FRQs on the AP Statistics exam, a multi-focus question on Practices 2, 3, and 4 that combines data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Its four or five parts often build on each other, and each question splits its 10 points its own way. The table shows an even split for reference, not the split on any one question.

- **10 points**: across four or five parts
- **12.5%**: of your exam score
- **90 min**: for all four FRQs

| Part | What it asks | Points |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A: Identify | Name a method, statistic, or design feature | 2 |
| B: Calculate | A probability, statistic, or test result, with work shown | 2 |
| C: Interpret | What a result means in the context of the study | 2 |
| D: Justify | Whether a claim is supported, using evidence from earlier parts | 2 |
| E: Connect | A final decision that ties several parts together, when there is a fifth part | 2 |

## How Question 4 FRQ practice works

1. **Read the full question.** The scenario, tables, and graphs, with every part laid out the way the exam shows them.
2. **Write on a 22-minute timer.** A pace that fits all four questions into the 90-minute section. Pause it or turn it off, and your response saves as you go.
3. **Submit for a score out of 10.** Your response is scored against the scoring guidelines written for that question. Your first score is included.

## All 36 questions

### Unit 1: Exploring One-Variable Data and Collecting Data (9)
- [Meteorite fragment mass distribution and outlier detection](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cc1d2de38de8e968cf3b&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [American badger weights across prairie habitats](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cca92de38de8e968cf89&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Dissolved oxygen levels in river water quality assessment](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ccfa2de38de8e968cfc2&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Premium Fast-Track shipping service satisfaction and delivery times](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67c98e2de38de8e968cda9&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Soybean yield sampling methods and outlier detection](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67c9eb2de38de8e968cde2&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Apple juice sugar content sampling and distribution analysis](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ca722de38de8e968ce26&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Screen time effects on deep sleep quality](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cab62de38de8e968ce5a&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Microplastic pollution concentration across lake regions](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cb132de38de8e968ce97&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Steel cable tensile strength sampling and outliers](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cddc2de38de8e968d050&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)

### Unit 2: Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions (10)
- [User engagement, conditional probability, independence](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cddb2de38de8e968d04a&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Blanding's turtle shell condition and population characteristics](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cefc2de38de8e968d0b6&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Water quality assessment: microplastics and nitrate contamination](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cf392de38de8e968d0ca&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Product return rates and shipping efficiency analysis](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cfae2de38de8e968d0f4&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Renter payment status and lease type independence](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cfe62de38de8e968d0fe&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Seismic anomaly detection and probability distributions](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67d02a2de38de8e968d114&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Customer retention, subscription tiers, delivery efficiency](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a8f8473df46b6796e734e38&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Pest control methods and tomato yield quality outcomes](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ce852de38de8e968d08d&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Smartphone usage, sleep quality, independence](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cf712de38de8e968d0e1&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Conditional probability and loan approval risk assessment](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67d06c2de38de8e968d125&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)

### Unit 3: Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions (5)
- [Collegiate volleyball injury rates and rehabilitation effectiveness](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ce552de38de8e968d07f&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Promotional effectiveness on subscription renewal rates](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cf842de38de8e968d0e6&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Product shelf life and consumer preference testing](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67d0be2de38de8e968d137&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [E-bike share program usage across city districts](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ce902de38de8e968d097&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Semiconductor defect rates and statistical inference](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67d0212de38de8e968d110&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)

### Unit 4: Inference for Quantitative Data: Means (10)
- [Vitamin C content comparison: cold-pressed versus pasteurized juice](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ca2d2de38de8e968ce00&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [AI-assisted design tool effectiveness comparison](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cad22de38de8e968ce6f&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Dissolved oxygen concentrations and marine ecosystem health](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cd792de38de8e968d010&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Electric bicycle battery range comparison](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67c98a2de38de8e968cda4&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Habitat restoration and river otter weight comparison](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67c9d32de38de8e968cdd4&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Recovery boot protocol effectiveness on vertical jump performance](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cb572de38de8e968cec2&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Tensile strength comparison between manufacturing processes](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cbdb2de38de8e968cf12&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Tensile strength comparison: new versus standard heat-treatment processes](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cc862de38de8e968cf76&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Insulated delivery bags and frozen item temperature preservation](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67ccdf2de38de8e968cfac&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Regional rent differences and subsidy program evaluation](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cdcb2de38de8e968d040&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)

### Unit 5: Regression Analysis (2)
- [Geothermal temperature variation with drilling depth](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67cde22de38de8e968d053&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)
- [Home value and insurance premium relationship](/ap-stats/frq-practice?id=6a67d0982de38de8e968d131&type=frq-4-multi-focus-on-practices-2-3-and-4)

## Sample question

**Meteorite fragment mass distribution and outlier detection**

A geological research institute is studying meteorite fragments found in a 100-square-kilometer Antarctic ice field. The fragments are classified into two main types: chondrites and achondrites. The researchers want to analyze the mass, in grams, of these fragments to better understand their origins and distribution.

Data Tables:
  Headers: n | Mean | Standard Deviation | Minimum | Q₁ | Median | Q₃ | Maximum
  60 | 158 | 95 | 12 | 85 | 142 | 210 | 450

Part A (0 points):
  Prompt: To estimate the mean mass of all meteorite fragments in the ice field, the researchers consider dividing the 100-square-kilometer area into 100 equal-sized grids of 1 square kilometer each. They plan to randomly select 5 of these grids and collect every meteorite fragment found within those 5 grids. Identify the sampling method proposed by the researchers. Explain one practical advantage of using this sampling method rather than selecting a simple random sample of fragments across the entire ice field.

Part B (0 points):
  Prompt: The researchers collect a sample of 60 chondrite fragments. Summary statistics for the mass, in grams, of these fragments are shown in Table 1. Using the data in Table 1, determine whether the maximum mass of 450 grams is considered an outlier using the 1.5 × IQR rule. Justify your answer with a statistical calculation.

Part C (0 points):
  Prompt: A specific chondrite fragment from the sample has a mass of 450 grams. A separate sample of achondrite fragments has a mean mass of 110 grams and a standard deviation of 60 grams. A specific achondrite fragment from this separate sample has a mass of 380 grams. Calculate the standardized score (z-score) for each of these two fragments. Which fragment has a greater mass relative to its respective distribution?

Figure 1:
  Type: boxplot
  Caption: Figure 1. Meteorite Fragment Masses (grams): boxplots for Chondrite (n = 60) and Achondrite (n = 50)
  URL: https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-stats/b333015a-9a5a-45ca-8f3d-8042ae4b340d_fig1.jpg
  Placement: before-part
  Part Letter: D

Part D (0 points):
  Prompt: Figure 1 shows boxplots of the masses for the sample of 60 chondrite fragments and a sample of 50 achondrite fragments. Based on the boxplots, compare the distributions of mass for the two types of meteorite fragments.

Part E (0 points):
  Prompt: The institute's directors will fund a larger follow-up expedition if the proposed sampling method from Part A is logistically efficient for large areas AND if there is statistical evidence that chondrite fragments typically have a greater mass than achondrite fragments. Based on your answers in Part A and Part D, should the directors fund the follow-up expedition? Justify your conclusion using evidence from BOTH previous parts.

Image URLs (1):
  - https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-stats/b333015a-9a5a-45ca-8f3d-8042ae4b340d_fig1.jpg

## Questions

**How many responses can I get scored?**

You can read every question without a plan. Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring.

**Is FRQ 4 still the investigative task?**

No. The revised exam replaced the investigative task with a multi-focus question worth 10 points, the same as the other three.

**What if I can’t answer an early part?**

Write what you know and keep going. Later parts often use an earlier result, so use a reasonable value and say where it came from.

**How is FRQ 4 different from FRQ 2?**

Both are worth 10 points. FRQ 4 combines data collection, analysis, and interpretation across several topics. FRQ 2 focuses on analyzing data and interpreting results.

**Can I use a calculator and the formula sheet?**

Yes. The practice screen has a graphing calculator and the AP Statistics formulas and tables, which you also get on exam day.

## Related

- [Question 4 FRQ exam guide](/ap-stats/ap-statistics-exam/ap-stats-frq-investigative-task/study-guide/ap-stats-frq-investigative-task)
- [AP Statistics Question 2 FRQ practice](/ap-stats/frqs/frq-2)
- [AP Statistics FRQs](/ap-stats/frqs)
- Any question by id: the `get_frq` tool on the [Fiveable MCP server](/mcp/docs)

## About This Document

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