Introduction to Biostatistics Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic biostatistics definitions, data categories, measurement scales, variable types, and collection methods based on Lesson 1 notes.

Statistics

The science dealing with the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.

Biostatistics

A subfield of statistics that focuses on the analysis, interpretation, and application of quantitative data in biological, medical, and public health research.

Mathematical Statistics

A main area of statistics concerned with the development of new methods of statistical inference that requires detailed knowledge of abstract mathematics for its implementation.

Applied Statistics

An area of statistics that involves applying the methods of mathematical statistics to specific subject areas, such as medicine and biology.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

The central statistical authority of the Philippine government that collects, compiles, analyzes, and publishes statistical information on general affairs and enforces civil registration functions.

Descriptive Statistics

The field of statistics includes methods of collecting, classifying, graphing, and averaging data to summarize and describe its main features without drawing conclusions.

Inferential Statistics

Also called statistical inference or inductive statistics, this field is concerned with drawing conclusions or generalizations from organized data using advanced mathematical models.

Population

Also known as Universe, it consists of all the members of the group about which one wants to draw a conclusion.

Sample

A representative subset of individuals or items selected from a larger population for study with the goal of making inferences or generalizations about the entire population.

Data

A collection of facts, figures, or observations used in research as raw material to derive insights, test hypotheses, and validate theories.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information that describes qualities, attributes, or characteristics of a subject, event, or phenomenon.

Nominal Data

Data consisting of categories or labels used purely for classification or identification that have no intrinsic order or ranking.

Ordinal Data

Data consisting of categories with a clear order or ranking, where the distances between the ranks are not equal or measurable.

Quantitative Data

Numerical information that can be measured or counted.

Discrete Data

A sub-category of quantitative data that consists of countable, whole numbers.

Continuous Data

A sub-category of quantitative data that consists of measurements taking on any value within a range, including decimals and fractions.

Primary Data

Data collected directly from the source or subjects of the study through methods such as interviews, surveys, experiments, or observations.

Secondary Data

Data previously collected by others that is available for reuse, such as government statistics, published research findings, or company reports.

Structured Data

Data organized in a specific format, such as tables, spreadsheets, or databases, that can be analyzed or processed by computers.

Unstructured Data

Data that lacks a predefined structure or format, such as text, images, audio, or video.

Interval Data

Numerical data with a consistent scale and equal intervals between values, but without a true zero point.

Ratio Data

Numerical data with a consistent scale, equal intervals, and an absolute or true zero point, such as height, weight, or age.

Variable

A characteristic or attribute in research that can take on different values or categories.

Independent Variable

Also called an explanatory variable, this is the variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher to study its presumed causal effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

Also called an outcome variable, this is the characteristic that is measured or observed and expected to change as a result of manipulating the independent variable.

Control Variable

A variable held constant or controlled by the researcher to minimize its impact on the dependent variable and increase internal validity.

Confounding Variable

A variable that may influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to spurious correlations or incorrect conclusions.

Data Collection

The systematic process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest to answer research questions, test hypotheses, or evaluate outcomes.

Surveys and Questionnaires

Structured or semi-structured instruments used to gather information from a sample of individuals or organizations by asking questions or rating statements.

Interviews

One-on-one or group conversations between a researcher and participants designed to elicit in-depth information about experiences, opinions, feelings, or attitudes.

Observations

A data collection method involving systematically watching, recording, and analyzing behaviors, events, or interactions in natural settings without manipulating the environment.

Experiments

A method where researchers manipulate one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable under controlled conditions.

Secondary Data Analysis

A data collection method that involves collecting and analyzing data already gathered by someone else, such as government agencies or research institutions.

Case Studies

An in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases using multiple sources of data such as documents, artifacts, interviews, or observations.

Content Analysis

A data collection method involving the systematic examination and interpretation of text, images, or audiovisual materials to identify patterns, themes, or meanings.