Statistics Concepts: Sampling Bias, Question Design, and Basic Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on sampling bias, survey design, and basic statistical terminology.

Bias (sampling)

A systematic deviation from the truth due to how the sample is drawn, leading to results that don't represent the population.

Volunteer sampling

Participants self-select to be in the study, which can bias results.

Convenience sampling

Selecting participants who are easiest to reach, often producing biased conclusions.

Correlation vs causation

Correlation means two variables are related; it does not imply that one causes the other.

Loaded question

A survey question designed to bias the answer by embedding assumptions or emotion.

Question order bias

The order of questions can influence responses, introducing bias.

Self-report data

Data collected from participants about themselves, which can be biased or inaccurate.

Coercion

Forcing or pressuring someone to participate or answer in a survey.

Variable

A characteristic that can take on different values across individuals; can be numerical (quantitative) or categorical (qualitative).

Population

The entire group of interest from which a sample is drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population selected for a study.

Statistic

A numerical summary computed from a sample.

Parameter

A numerical summary that describes a population.