Quiz 1 Review: Data Collection Phases, Variables, and Prenatal Care Study (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes: data collection phases (Phase 1 vs Phase 2), types of data and variables (numeric, categorical, ordinal, explanatory vs response), and prenatal care study terminology (mothers as cases, first-trimester indicator, total visits, race, and mixed methods data).

Case

The unit of observation in a dataset.

Randomly selected sample

A sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Quantitative data

Data that are numerical and suitable for statistical analysis.

Qualitative data

Non-numeric data such as descriptions or words collected for thematic analysis.

Focus group

A qualitative data collection method where a small group discusses topics guided by a moderator.

Variable

A characteristic that can take on different values across units of observation.

Numeric variable

A variable that takes numerical values (quantitative).

Categorical variable

A variable that places observations into categories; may be nominal or ordinal.

Ordinal variable

A categorical variable with a natural order among categories (e.g., mental health ratings: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor).

Explanatory variable

The independent variable used to explain or predict changes in the outcome; in this study, mental health rating.

Response variable

The dependent variable that represents the outcome being measured; in this study, whether the person has substance use disorder.

Mixed methods data

Data collected using both quantitative and qualitative approaches within a study.

Percentage

A numeric value that represents a proportion expressed as a percentage (e.g., 74.81%).

Case vs Row

In data organization, a 'case' or 'row' refers to a single unit of observation, such as a mother.