W1 - Intro Stats

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the introduction of behavioral statistics, including definitions and examples.

Scientific Method

A process for gathering data and processing information through well-defined steps to standardize how scientific knowledge is obtained.

Statistics

The practice of organizing, summarizing, and interpreting information to draw conclusions based on results.

Population

The set of all individuals of interest in a particular study, often large.

Sample

A set of individuals selected from a population intended to represent that population in a research study.

Parameter

A numerical value that describes a population, derived from measurements of individuals in that population.

Statistic

A numerical value that describes a sample, derived from measurements of individuals in that sample.

Variable

A characteristic or condition that changes or has different values for different individuals.

Data

Measurements or observations of a variable; 'datum' refers to a single measurement or observation.

Correlational Method

A non-experimental method that describes the type and magnitude of the relationship between two measured variables, without establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.

Experimental Method

A method aimed at determining cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one variable while controlling others.

Discrete Variable

A variable that exists in separate categories, with no possible values between them (e.g., types of transportation).

Continuous Variable

A variable that can take an infinite number of possible values between any two observed values (e.g., height, weight).

Nominal Scale

A scale used for labeling and categorizing without quantitative distinctions, like gender or diagnosis.

Ordinal Scale

A scale that categorizes observations and arranges them in order of size or magnitude but does not specify the distance between them.

Interval Scale

A scale with equal intervals between values but an arbitrary zero point, such as temperature.

Ratio Scale

A scale with equal intervals and an absolute zero point, exemplified by measures like weight and time.