Statistics Chapter 1 Flashcards

Statistics Fundamentals

• Statistics refers to mathematical procedures for organizing, summarizing, and interpreting information.
• A population is the complete set of all individuals relevant to a study.
• A sample is a subset chosen from a population to represent it in research.

Key Concepts in Data

• A variable is a characteristic or condition that can change across individuals.
• Data consists of collected measurements or observations.
• A data set is a collection of such measurements or observations.
• The term datum refers to a single measurement or observation, often known as a score.

Parameters and Statistics

• A parameter describes a population's numerical attributes, derived from individuals' measurements.
• A statistic represents a sample's numerical characteristics, also derived from individual measurements.

Types of Statistics

• Descriptive statistics summarize, organize, and simplify data.
• Inferential statistics enable generalizations about populations based on sample analyses.
• Sampling error indicates the difference between sample statistics and population parameters.

Research Methods

• The correlational method examines the relationship between two different variables.
• Control conditions involve individuals who do not receive the experimental treatment for comparison purposes.
• Experimental conditions involve individuals who receive the treatment being tested.

Variables in Research

• A quasi-independent variable categorizes groups in a nonexperimental setting.
• Constructs are internal characteristics or attributes used to explain behavior, though they cannot be directly observed.

Measurement and Definitions

• An operational definition describes the measurement procedures for external behaviors and defines constructs based on resultant measurements.
• Discrete variables are composed of distinct categories with no intermediate values, while continuous variables can take on an infinite number of values within a range.

Measurement Scales

• Real limits are boundaries for scores on a continuous scale, with each score having upper and lower limits.
• The nominal scale categorizes observations without quantitative distinctions.
• The ordinal scale ranks categories in a meaningful order based on size or magnitude.
• The interval scale has equal intervals between categories with an arbitrary zero point.
• The ratio scale possesses an absolute zero point, allowing for meaningful ratio comparisons between values.

Experimental Design

• The experimental method manipulates one variable to observe its impact on another, aiming to confirm cause-and-effect relationships.
• The independent variable in a study is the one controlled by the researcher, usually involving multiple treatment conditions.
• The dependent variable is the one being evaluated to determine the treatment's effect.

Dive into the basics of statistics with our Chapter 1 flashcards. Explore essential terms such as population, sample, and variable to build your foundational knowledge. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of statistical concepts.