Introduction to Statistics

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on statistics and its application in behavioral sciences.

Statistics

Statistical procedures used to organize, summarize, and interpret data.

Population

The set of all individuals of interest in a particular study.

Sample

A set of individuals selected from a population, usually representing that population.

Variable

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

Data

Measurements or observations of a variable.

Parameter

A numerical value that describes a population, derived from individual measurements.

Statistic

A numerical value that describes a sample, derived from individual measurements.

Descriptive Statistics

Methods for summarizing, organizing, and simplifying data.

Inferential Statistics

Methods that use sample data to make generalizations about a population.

Sampling Error

The discrepancy between a sample statistic and the corresponding population parameter.

Construct

Internal attributes or characteristics that cannot be directly observed.

Operational Definition

Defines a construct by specifying the operations used to measure it.

Discrete Variable

A variable with separate, indivisible categories.

Continuous Variable

A variable that has an infinite number of possible values between any two observed values.

Real Limits

Boundaries of intervals for scores on a continuous number line.

Scale of Measurement

The system used to categorize and quantify variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is observed to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Control Condition

Participants do not receive the experimental treatment in a study.

Experimental Condition

Participants receive the experimental treatment in a study.