Introduction to Statistics: Population, Sample, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

Vocabulary flashcards covering population, sample, parameter, statistic, descriptive and inferential statistics, and key measures from the notes.

Population

The entire group of individuals or items of interest in a study; the 'big picture' population from which data may be drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population used to make inferences about the population.

Parameter

A numerical characteristic of the population, such as its mean or standard deviation.

Statistic

A numerical characteristic calculated from a sample, such as the sample mean or sample standard deviation.

Descriptive statistics

Techniques to describe and summarize data using measures (mean, median, standard deviation) and summaries (tables, graphs) from observed data.

Inferential statistics

Methods that use sample data to draw conclusions or make estimates about a population.

Mean

The average value of a data set, computed as the sum of all values divided by the count.

Median

The middle value when data are arranged in order; 50th percentile.

Standard deviation

A measure of data dispersion showing how far values spread around the mean.

Sampling

The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population for analysis.

Data

The values or observations collected for analysis.