Statistics and Data Analysis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts in statistics as introduced in the lecture.

Statistical Thinking

A philosophy of learning that relates process thinking with statistics, focusing on understanding and reducing variation.

Descriptive Statistics

Numerical and graphical methods to explore data, summarize information, and present it conveniently.

Inferential Statistics

Drawing conclusions about populations from samples based on descriptive statistics.

Population

The entire set of units or objects that is of interest in a study.

Sample

A subset of the population that is accessible for study.

Variable

An attribute of a unit or object being measured, such as a political preference.

Parameter

A summary measure calculated from a population, like the proportion of voters for a candidate.

Statistic

A summary measure calculated from a sample, such as the sample's proportion of voters.

Quantitative Data

Measurements recorded on a naturally occurring numerical scale, such as unemployment rates.

Qualitative Data

Measurements that cannot be measured on a numerical scale; they classify into categories.

Fake News

False or misleading information presented as news.

Statistical Inference

The process of making inferences about a population based on data from a sample.

Surveys

Methods for collecting data where a group of people provide responses to questions.

Randomized Experiments

Controlled experiments in which subjects are randomly assigned to treatment and control groups.

Leading Questions

Questions that prompt respondents toward a specific answer, which may bias survey results.