Statistics Chapter 1

Front 1

Statistics

Back 1

The science of data. This involves collecting, classifying, summarizing, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting numerical information.

Front 2

Descriptive statistics

Back 2

utilizes numerical and graphical methods to look for patterns in a data set, to summarize the information revealed in a data set, and to present that information in a convenient form.

Front 3

Inferential statistics

Back 3

utilizes sample data to make estimates, decisions, predictions, or other generalizations about a larger set of data.

Front 4

Experimental unit

Back 4

an object (e.g. person, thing, transaction, or event) about which we collect data.

Front 5

Population

Back 5

A set of units (usually people, objects, transactions, or events) that we are interested in studying.

Front 6

A Variable

Back 6

a characteristic or property of an individual population unit.

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Sample

Back 7

a subset of the units of a population.

Front 8

Statistical inference

Back 8

an estimate, prediction, or some other generalization about a population based on information contained in a sample.
*Note: Think about what logic this parallels and include it here. i.e. is it deductive or inductive logic (and are those the correct two)

Front 9

A measure of reliability

Back 9

a statement (usually quantitative) about the degree of uncertainty associate with a statistical inference.

Front 10

Four Elements of Descriptive Statistical Problems

Back 10

1. The population or sample of interest
2. One or more variables (characteristics of the populations or sample units) that are to be investigated
3. Tables, graphs, or numerical summary tools
4. Identification of patterns in the data

Front 11

Five Elements of Inferential Statistical Problems

Back 11

1. The population of interest
2. One or more variables (characteristics of the population units) that are to be investigated
3. The sample of population units
4. The inference about the population based on information contained in the sample
5. A measure of the reliability of the inference

Front 12

Quantitative data

Back 12

are measurements that are recorded on a naturally occurring numerical scale.

Front 13

Qualitative data

Back 13

are measurements that cannot be measured on a natural numerical scale; they can only be classified into one of a group of categories.

Front 14

A Representative sample

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exhibits characteristics typical of those possessed by the target population

Front 15

A random sample

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A sample of n experimental units is a sample selected from the population in such a way that every different sample of size n has an equal chance of selection.
*Note: the n is italic

Front 16

Statistical thinking

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Thinking that involves applying rational thought and the science of statistics to critically assess data and inferences.

Front 17

Selection bias

Back 17

results when a subset of the experimental units in the population is excluded so that these units have no chance of being selected in the sample

Front 18

Nonresponse bias

Back 18

results when the researchers conducting a servey or study are unable to obtain data on all experimental units selected for the sample

Front 19

Measurement error

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refers to inaccuracies in the values of the data recorded. In surveys, this kind of error may be due to ambigious or leading questions and the interviewer's effect on the respondent.

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Census

Back 20

a measure of a variable for every unit of a population.

Front 21

Data

Back 21

a form of numerical information

Front 22

Published source

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a place where a data set has already been collected, ex. a book, journal, or newspaper

Front 23

Designed experiment

Back 23

A method of collecting data in which the researcher exerts strict control over the units (people, object, or things) in the study.

Front 24

Survey

Back 24

A method of collecting data where a researcher samples a group of people, asks one or more questions, and records the responses.

Front 25

Observation study

Back 25

A method of collecting data where the researcher observes the experimental units in their natural setting and records the variable(s) of interest.

Front 26

Unethical Statistical Practice

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When a biased sample is intentional, with the sole purpose of misleading the public, the researcher may be considered guilty of this.

Front 27

Measurement

Back 27

the process we use to assign numbers to variables of individual population units.

Front 28

Reliability

Back 28

How good an inference is.