Statistics Definitions Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'population' refer to in statistics?

A random sample taken from a set
All the members of a uniquely definable group (correct)
The amount of error associated with a sample
A subset of the target population

What is a sample in research?

The entire population being studied
The manipulation of variables in an experiment
The total error in a statistical estimate
The subset of the population for study (correct)

What is sampling error?

The amount of error associated with a sample due to its deviation from the population.

Define descriptive statistics.

Statistical procedures designed to present research data in summary form. Signup and view all the answers

What are inferential statistics?

Statistical procedures that establish the probability of a causal relationship between observations. Signup and view all the answers

What does an empirical research study involve?

Making decisions based on observations and measurements of reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable?

The variable whose categories are manipulated in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What are variables in statistics?

A set of scores that can vary. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The variable in which the values may depend on changes in an independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Define operational definition.

A statement of the procedures used to define research variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a construct in research?

An abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances. Signup and view all the answers

What does a theory consist of?

A body of knowledge and interpretation supported by testable observation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a research hypothesis?

It states that a relationship or direction exists between variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a statistic?

A numerical measurement describing some characteristic of a sample. Signup and view all the answers

What is a parameter?

A quantity that characterizes a statistical population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a null hypothesis?

The hypothesis that states there is no difference between two or more sets of data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a discrete variable?

A quantitative variable whose values are countable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a continuous variable?

A variable that can take on a wide or infinite number of values. Signup and view all the answers

Define nominal-level variable.

Categorical-discrete. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ordinal-level variable?

Categorical, ordered/ranked-discrete. Signup and view all the answers

Define interval-level variable.

Order, rank, equal distance-continuous. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ratio-level variable?

True zero point-continuous. Signup and view all the answers

What is a histogram?

A bar graph that shows the frequency of data within equal intervals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bar graph?

A type of graph in which the lengths of bars are used to represent and compare data in categories. Signup and view all the answers

What does a frequency table do?

Lists items together according to the frequency of occurrence. Signup and view all the answers

What does mean refer to in statistics?

The average. Signup and view all the answers

What is median in statistics?

The middle number. Signup and view all the answers

Define mode in statistics.

The most repeated number. Signup and view all the answers

What is a weighted mean?

The mean of a set of numbers weighted by their importance. Signup and view all the answers

What are measures of central tendency?

Numbers used to describe the center of a set of data. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Statistical Definitions

Population: The comprehensive group of individuals or entities from which a sample may be drawn for a research study, essential for making statistical inferences.
Sample: A selected subset of the population representing that group, crucial for avoiding bias during research observations.
Sampling Error: The degree of discrepancy between a sample statistic and the population parameter, often due to random sampling variability.
Descriptive Statistics: Techniques used to summarize and describe data through measures of central tendency, dispersion, and visual representations.
Inferential Statistics: Methods that enable conclusions to be made about a population based on sample data, focused on establishing relationships or differences between variables.
Empirical Research Study: A study grounded in observation and measurement, relying on experimental methods to derive conclusions.
Independent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
Variables: Quantitative elements in research that can change and affect outcomes.
Dependent Variable: The outcome variable that is observed for changes in response to variations in the independent variable.
Operational Definition: Clear description of how variables are measured or defined in a study, enabling replicability and clarity.
Construct: An abstract idea formulated from specific instances, often guiding research questions and hypotheses.
Theory: A structured framework of knowledge within a particular domain, supported by empirical findings and interpretations.
Research Hypothesis: A specific, testable prediction about the relationship or direction between variables.
Statistic: A numerical representation reflecting a specific attribute of a sample.
Parameter: A characteristic value (like mean or variance) that describes an entire population, estimable from sample data.
Null Hypothesis: A proposition stating there is no significant difference or relationship between observed data sets.
Discrete Variable: A variable that can only take on specific, countable values.
Continuous Variable: A variable that can have an infinite number of values within a given range, such as age or height.
Nominal-Level Variable: A categorical variable that represents distinct groups without a specific order.
Ordinal-Level Variable: A categorical variable that features an inherent order or ranking among the categories.
Interval-Level Variable: A continuous variable that maintains equal intervals between values but lacks a true zero point.
Ratio-Level Variable: A continuous variable with a true zero point, allowing for the calculation of ratios.
Histogram: A graphical representation showing frequency distribution across equally divided intervals.
Bar Graph: A visual tool depicting category comparisons via the lengths of bars.
Frequency Table: A tabulated representation showcasing the occurrence of different values or categories.
Mean: The average value computed by summing all observations and dividing by the count.
Median: The middle value when a data set is organized in ascending or descending order.
Mode: The value that appears most frequently in a data set.
Weighted Mean: An average where each value is multiplied by its importance before calculating the overall mean.
Measures of Central Tendency: Statistical metrics that capture the center point of a data set, primarily mean, median, and mode.
Measures of Variability: Statistical indicators that describe the spread or dispersion within a data set, further enhancing the understanding of data characteristics.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering essential definitions in statistics. Whether it's about populations, samples, or statistical inferences, these cards will enhance your understanding of statistical concepts. Perfect for students and professionals alike!