Stats/Module1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to data, variables, and statistics, helping to reinforce understanding for the exam.

Population

The entire group of objects about which information is wanted.

Sample

A subset of the population used to gain information about the whole.

Parameter

A numerical summary of a population.

Statistic

A numerical summary of a sample.

Census

A survey or study of every member of the population.

Inference

Statements about the population based on the sample data.

Variable

A characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted and can vary.

Quantitative variable

Variables that represent measurable quantities.

Categorical variable

Variables that represent categories or groups.

Discrete variable

A variable that has countable values.

Continuous variable

A variable that can take any value within a range.

Nominal variable

Categories with no inherent order used for labeling or classifying.

Ordinal variable

Categories with a meaningful order where differences are not measurable.

Interval variable

Can be ordered, differences are meaningful, but there is no natural zero.

Ratio variable

All properties of interval variables plus a natural zero where ratios make sense.

Research question

The reason for collecting data in a study.

The Five W's

Who, When, Where, Why, and What are important aspects of statistical research.

Example

A specific instance used to illustrate a concept in statistics.

Identifier variable

A variable used to identify subjects in a study.

Mean

The average value in a set of numbers.

Data

A collection of numbers, characters, images, or other items that provide information.

Statistics

The science of collecting, summarizing, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting data.

Height

An example of a continuous quantitative variable.

Weight

An example of a continuous quantitative variable.

Age

An example of a quantitative variable that can be discrete or continuous.

Gender

An example of a nominal categorical variable.

Grade

An example of an ordinal categorical variable.

Study design

The overarching plan for conducting a statistical study.

Random selection

Choosing individuals from a population in such a way that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

Purpose of a census

To provide exact population information.

Target of inference

The population we aim to generalize findings from a study.

Survey

A method of collecting information from individuals, often used in research.

Statistical analysis

The process of collecting and interpreting data to understand patterns.

Scientific method

A systematic approach to inquiry used in statistical research.

Sampling error

The error caused by observing a sample instead of the whole population.

Data visualization

The representation of data through graphs and charts to make it understandable.

Descriptive statistics

Statistics that summarize a data set's main features.

Inferential statistics

Statistics used to make inferences about a population based on sample data.

Hypothesis testing

A method of making decisions using data from a scientific study.

Predictive modeling

Using statistical techniques to predict future data points.

Variable relationships

The connections or correlations between different data attributes.

Statistical significance

A measure of whether the results of a study are likely due to chance.

Bias in statistics

A systematic error that leads to an incorrect representation of the data.

Qualitative research

Research that relies on non-numeric data such as interviews or observations.

Quantitative research

Research that relies on numeric data to obtain results.

Sampling techniques

Methods used to select individuals from a population for research.

Survey methodology

The study of survey methods to collect data effectively.

Data collection

The process of gathering information for analysis.

Longitudinal study

A study that observes the same subjects over a long period.

Cross-sectional study

A study that analyzes data from a population at one specific point in time.

Cluster sampling

A sampling technique where clusters are identified before selecting samples.

Stratified sampling

A sampling method that involves dividing the population into subgroups.

Systematic sampling

A sampling method involving selecting individuals at regular intervals.

Error margin

The range within which the true population parameter lies.

Data coding

The process of transforming qualitative data into numerical format for analysis.