Let's break down your statements and clarify each part:

a. Population Mean (μ_x̄): You stated that the average salary for the profession is $74,000, which correctly identifies the population mean.

b. Standard Deviation of the Sample Mean (σ_x̄): You correctly used the formula σ/√n to find the standard deviation of the sample mean. Given σ = $37,000 and n = 79, you calculated: $σ_x̄ = \frac{37000}{\sqrt{79}} \approx 4162.83$ This value indicates how much variability you can expect in the sample mean due to random sampling.

c. Shape of the Sampling Distribution: According to the Central Limit Theorem, the sampling distribution of the sample mean (x̄) will approach a normal distribution as the sample size (n) increases, especially if n ≥ 30. Since your sample size is 79, it’s valid to conclude that the distribution is normal.

Would you like to delve deeper into any of these concepts? Here are some questions to consider:

1. What is the significance of the Central Limit Theorem in practical applications?
2. How would the standard deviation change if the sample size were larger or smaller?
3. What other factors can affect the shape of the sampling distribution?
4. Can you explain the difference between population parameters and sample statistics?
5. How would you interpret a confidence interval based on this data?

Tip: When dealing with sample statistics, always ensure to check the conditions under which the Central Limit Theorem applies to validate your conclusions about normality.