Statistics for Absolute Beginners

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from the topic of statistics.

Data

Any value that describes the characteristics and attributes of an item that can be moved, processed, and analyzed.

Population

The parent group from which the experiment’s data is collected.

Sample

A subset of a population collected for the purpose of an experiment.

Variable

A characteristic of an item from the population that varies in quantity or quality.

Discrete Variable

A variable that can only accept a finite number of values.

Continuous Variable

A variable that can assume an infinite number of values.

Categorical Variables

A variable whose possible values consist of a discrete set of categories, such as gender or political allegiance.

Ordinal Variables

A subcategory of categorical variables that categorize values in a logical and meaningful sequence.

Independent Variable

The variable that supposedly impacts the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is affected by the independent variable.

Inferential Statistics

Part of statistics that deals with the nuances of probability theory and inferring what is likely based on known facts.

Descriptive Statistics

Helps to organize data and provides a summary of data features numerically and/or graphically.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

Assumed to be the commonly accepted fact but is open to contrary arguments.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)

Covers all possible outcomes excluding the null hypothesis.

Confidence Level

A statistical measure that expresses how closely the sample results match the true value of the population.

Bayes' Theorem

A mathematical formula used to predict how updated information about one variable can help predict changes in the probability of another variable occurring.