Chapter 1: Introduction to Data & Statistics Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, key questions, graph reading concepts, and the 5-step Statistical Investigative Cycle (PPDAC) from Chapter 1.

Statistics

The science of variability, which studies differences and changes in information to help make decisions when we do not know everything.

Variability

Differences or changes in data.

Zoom In

Looking at one individual result.

Zoom Out

Looking at an overall pattern rather than judging a single number alone.

Statistical Model

A representation of what usually happens based on past data to help understand or predict what is normal.

What was compared?

The first key statistical question, which asks what groups, choices, or information are being compared before believing a claim.

Who's not here?

The second key statistical question, which asks whether the sample or data represents everyone being talked about or if key groups are missing.

Incorporate "ish"-ness

The third key statistical principle, which means acknowledging uncertainty and variability instead of pretending statistics are perfectly exact.

Statistical Investigative Cycle

A five-step process represented by PPDAC (Problem, Plan, Data, Analysis, Conclusion) used to answer statistical questions.

Problem (PPDAC Step 1)

The first step of the statistical investigative cycle, where you formulate the specific question you want to answer.

Plan (PPDAC Step 2)

The second step of the statistical investigative cycle, where you decide what information you need, how you will get it, and what you will compare.

Data (PPDAC Step 3)

The third step of the statistical investigative cycle, where you gather and collect the necessary information or numbers.

Analysis (PPDAC Step 4)

The fourth step of the statistical investigative cycle, where you study the collected data and look for patterns.

Conclusion (PPDAC Step 5)

The fifth step of the statistical investigative cycle, where you use your analysis to answer your original question.

Big Bar (Graph Interpretation)

A tall bar on a frequency graph indicating that a specific result or data point happens a lot.

No Bar (Graph Interpretation)

An absence of a bar on a frequency graph indicating that a specific result or data point is very unusual compared with normal patterns.