Chapter 4: IM 3 Vocab

Probability

The probability that an event A, with a finite number of equally likely outcomes, will occur is the number of outcomes for event A is divided by the total number of equally likely outcomes.

Sample Space

With probability, all the possible outcomes.

Sample

A subset (group) of a given population with the same characterisitics as the whole population.

Bias

A systematic inaccuracy in data due to a process that favors certain outcomes.

Population

A collection of objects or groups of people about whom information is gathered.

Open Question

In a survey, a question that allows respondents to offer any answer they like.

Closed Question

A question that limits respondents to some set numbers of responses from which to choose.

Census

The process of measuring every member of the population.

Parameter

A quantifiable attribute of an entire pop. such as mean, standard deviation, or proportion.

Statistics

A numerical fact or calculation that is formed from data.

Random Sample

A sample which was chosen as a result of a random process.

Convenience Sample

A subgroup of the population for which it was easy to collect data.

Mean

The arithmetic mean, or average, of several numbers is one way of defining the “center,” “middle,” or “typical value” of a set of numbers. It represents the center of data well if the distribution of data is symmetrical and has no outliers.

Standard Deviation

A way to measure the spread, or the amount of variability in a set of data. The square root of the average of the distances to the mean, after the distances have been made positive by squaring.