Introduction to Statistical Studies: Samples, Parameters, and Experiments

Vocabulary flashcards covering core statistics concepts including samples, population parameters, observational studies, and experimental designs.

Sample

The subset of the population from which the data are actually obtained.

Data

A term treated specifically as plural by the textbook, meaning one states 'the data are obtained' rather than 'the data is obtained.'

Sample Statistic

A characteristic or numerical measurement obtained directly from the sample that is used to estimate the population parameter.

Population Parameter

A characteristic or property of the entire population that researchers ultimately want to estimate or know.

Milky Way Galaxy

The pancake-shaped, flat spiral disk galaxy containing billions of stars that our Sun and Earth reside inside.

Andromeda Galaxy

The nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way; a spiral disk of stars that appears as a smudge in the sky without a telescope.

Representative Sample

A sample where the relevant characteristics of the sample members are generally the same as those of the entire population.

Relevant Characteristics

The specific characteristics or variables that are being measured within a statistical study.

Biased Sample

A sample that is not representative of the population because its relevant characteristics differ systematically from the population.

Biased Statistical Study

A study whose design or conduct tends to favor a certain result.

Observational Study

A study in which researchers observe or measure sample members without attempting to influence them or alter the variable being measured.

Experiment

A study in which researchers apply a treatment to some or all sample members in an attempt to influence them.

Treatment

Any procedure, substance, or condition that researchers choose to apply to subjects in an experiment.

Control Group

The group of sample members in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, used to account for other confounding variables.

Treatment Group

The group of sample members in an experiment that receives the treatment being tested.