Quiz Prep, Data Interpretation, and Government Budget Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering tutoring resources, quiz strategy, data interpretation, and macroeconomic concepts discussed in the notes.

Learning Assistants (LAs)

Student tutors who help with course material; if their slots are full, other LAs or tutors can assist.

Penji app

A study/tutoring app recommended to download to access help and prepare for quizzes.

Top Hat

An in-class interactive question platform; instructors control when the next question appears.

Careless errors

Mistakes caused by inattention; often fixable by slower, careful checking.

Consolidation sheet

A single sheet with four columns (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to gather all rules in one place.

Smithsonian Zoo question

A notably difficult conversion/data interpretation problem used as an example of common quiz trouble.

Conversion task (unit conversion)

The process of converting between units (e.g., ounces to billions of ounces) with attention to magnitudes.

Standard notation

Conventional decimal notation; contrasted with non-standard forms; important for locating decimal placement.

Millions and billions

Magnitudes used to express large data values (e.g., billions of ounces); keep track of units during conversions.

R(q)

A function representing quantity consumed as a function of q; illustrates how to plug numbers into an equation.

Data presentation vs interpretation

Understanding how data are displayed (e.g., billions of ounces) and ensuring questions match those units.

Quiz pacing (average time)

Average time students take to finish a quiz (about nine minutes); helps gauge appropriate speed.

Budget balance

A government budget where revenue equals spending; also called a balanced budget.

Budget deficit

When spending exceeds revenue; government runs a deficit.

Mandatory spending

Spending required by law (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security); limits flexibility in budgeting.

Treasury bonds and Treasury bills

US government securities; individuals can buy them to lend money to the government; used to finance the budget.

Downgrade

A reduction in a credit rating, which can raise interest rates on new bonds to attract buyers.

Work eligibility requirements (April Act)

Policy requiring periodic eligibility verification and often part-time work to receive benefits.