Statistics: Week 1 - Section A

What is the comprehensive definition of statistics

Statistics refers to processes used in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data, presenting findings, and making decisions.

What are the key elements involved when collecting data for an item/object under study

Assign a characteristic to the object/element, observe an outcome/measure, and use a method for measurement (e.g., ruler, scale, observation, interview).

What is the purpose of 'Organizing Data

Pulling data together to support analysis and presentation.

What is 'Probability Sampling'

A sampling method where each element in the population has a known probability of being selected in the sample.

Name four types of Probability Sampling.

Simple random sampling, Systematic random sampling, Stratified random sampling, Cluster sampling.

Define 'Simple random sampling'.

A probability sampling method where every element in the population has an equal probability of being selected.

What is 'Nonprobability sampling

A sampling method where the probability of an element being selected in the sample is unknown.

Name four types of Nonprobability sampling.

Quota sampling, Convenience sampling, Judgmental sampling, Snowball sampling, Multistage sampling.

What is a 'Research Question'

A worthy question that a researcher seeks to answer, though no definitive answers may be found.

What is quota sampling

An interviewer or researcher selects a sample that reflects the characteristics of the whole population

Convenience sampling

choosing individuals who are easiest to reach

Judgmental sampling

a form of convenience sampling in which the population elements are selected based on the judgment of the researcher

Snowball sampling

participants are asked to recommend a few acquaintances for the study

Multistage sampling

Use a variety of sampling methods to create successively smaller groups at each stage. The final sample consists of clusters.

What is a 'Hypothesis

A reasonable claim made by a researcher, which they then seek to prove (though the result may instead disprove the claim).

What is the 'Aim' of a research study

To answer the research question or prove the hypothesis.

What are 'Objectives' in a research study

Smaller tasks or steps that need to be completed, which will all combine to achieve the overall aim.

What is a 'Variable'?

A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values.

What are the two main types of Variables?

Quantitative and Qualitative (or Categorical).

Define 'Quantitative Variable' and give examples.

A variable that can be measured numerically. Examples: number of houses, cars, accidents (discrete); length, age, height, weight, time (continuous).

What is a 'Discrete Quantitative Variable' Give examples.

A quantitative variable whose values are obtained by counting, typically whole numbers. Examples: number of houses, cars, accidents.

What is a 'Continuous Quantitative Variable' Give examples.

A quantitative variable whose values are obtained by measuring, and can take any value within a given range. Examples: length, age, height, weight, time.

Define 'Qualitative or Categorical Variable' and give examples.

A variable that describes a quality or characteristic that cannot be measured numerically. Examples: make of a computer, opinions of people, gender.

What are the four 'Measurement Scales'

Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio.

Define 'Nominal' measurement scale and give an example.

Data that consists of names, labels, or categories only; cannot be ordered. Example: 'Acer' brand of computers.

Define 'Ordinal' measurement scale and give an example.

Data that can be arranged in some order, but differences between data values either cannot be determined or are meaningless. Example: Grades (A, B, C, D) where A is superior to B.

Define 'Interval' measurement scale and give an example.

Data that can be arranged in order, and differences between data values are meaningful, but there is no natural zero starting point (zero doesn't mean absence). Example: Temperature in 0° Celsius.

Define 'Ratio' measurement scale and give an example.

Data that can be arranged in order, differences are meaningful, and there is a natural zero starting point (zero means absence). Example: The number of commercial banks in Turkeyen is 'zero', suggesting the lack of commercial banks.

What does 'Population' refer to in statistics

The entire group of individuals or objects about which we want to know.

What does 'Sample' refer to in statistics

A subset of the population chosen through random selection, from which data is collected.

What is a Parameter

A numerical characteristic of a population (e.g., Population Mean (μ), Population Std. Dev. (σ), Population Proportion (π)).

What is a 'Statistic

A numerical characteristic of a sample, used to draw inferences on population parameters (e.g., Sample Mean (xˉ), Sample Std. Dev. (s), Sample Proportion (p)).