Statistics Basics Flashcards

In a statistical study, what is the difference between an individual and a variable?

What is the difference between a parameter and a statistic?

A parameter ever changes for a set population.

With three different samples of the same size from a set population, it is possible to get three different values for the same statistic.

What is the average miles per gallon (mpg) for all new cars from the provided sample?

Is the variable 'miles per gallon' quantitative or qualitative?

What is the implied population for the average mpg question?

What is the variable being measured in the nitrogen concentration study?

Is the variable 'nitrogen concentration' quantitative or qualitative?

What is the implied population in the nitrogen concentration study?

What is the variable being studied in the archaeological site of Tara?

Is the variable 'number of ferromagnetic artifacts' quantitative or qualitative?

What is the implied population in the study of artifacts at Tara?

Key Concepts in Statistics

Individuals and Variables:
- An individual refers to a member of the population being studied.
- A variable is a measurable aspect of the individual, which can vary.
Parameters vs. Statistics:
- A parameter quantifies data from an entire population.
- A statistic quantifies data derived from a sample.
Parameter Stability:
- Parameters remain constant and do not change for a specific population.

Sample Variability

Differences in Samples:
- When different samples are taken from the same population, the statistics obtained can differ due to sampling variability.

Examples of Variable Measurement

Average Miles Per Gallon (mpg):
- In a sample of 35 new cars, the average mpg was found to be 21.1.
- Variable: mpg, which is quantitative.
- Implied population consists of all new cars.
Nitrogen Concentration:
- Government monitoring focuses on nitrogen levels affecting wetlands.
- In a study, 28 water samples measured nitrogen concentrations.
- Variable: nitrogen concentration in milligrams per liter, which is quantitative.
- Implied population: the entire lake where the samples were collected.
Ferromagnetic Artifacts at Tara:
- The archaeological site of Tara is important for historical studies.
- A random sample of 55 plots (100 square meters each) was analyzed for ferromagnetic artifacts.
- Variable: number of artifacts per 100 square meters, which is quantitative.
- Implied population: the entire Tara region.

Explore fundamental concepts in statistics with these flashcards. Learn the differences between individuals, variables, parameters, and statistics to build a strong foundation in statistical study. Perfect for beginners or a quick review!