Continuous Variables and Gaussian Distribution Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to continuous variables, levels of measurement, and the Gaussian distribution as outlined in the lecture notes.

Gaussian Distribution

Also known as the normal distribution, it describes the distribution of many random factors that create variability, resulting in a symmetrical bell-shaped curve when data is plotted.

Continuous Variables

Variables that can take an infinite number of values within a given range.

Levels of Measurement

Categories of data measurement that include nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

Interval Variable

A variable with equal intervals between values but no true zero, such as temperature.

Ratio Variable

A variable like height that has a true zero value, allowing for ratio comparisons between values.

Standard Deviation (SD)

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values.

Nominal Measurement

Categorizes data without a natural order or ranking.

Ordinal Measurement

Categorizes data with a natural ordered ranking.

Mean

The average of a set of values, calculated by adding all values and dividing by the count.

Median

The middle value of a data set when ordered from least to greatest.

Mode

The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

Z-score

A statistical measure that describes a value's relationship to the mean of a group of values, calculated as z = (xi - x̄) / s.