Understanding Statistical Terminology

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary goal of collecting data from a sample in a research study?

To simplify the analysis process

To ensure accurate representation of the population

To provide evidence about the population (correct)

To describe the data for publication

What does descriptive statistics primarily focus on?

Selecting representative samples

Inferring conclusions about the population

Describing the collected data (correct)

Explaining the biases in the data

Why is it usually impossible to collect data on all subjects within a population?

Because the population is too large for comprehensive data collection (correct)

Due to technical limitations in data collection methods

Due to ethical concerns related to extensive data collection

Because researchers lack interest in comprehensive data collection

What is the reason for choosing a representative and random sample from the population?

To guarantee an accurate reflection of the population Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the field of study focused on inferring conclusions about a larger group from collected data?

Inferential statistics Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of most studies involving collected data?

To provide evidence about the population Signup and view all the answers

In a research study, what is the primary focus of descriptive statistics?

To describe the collected data Signup and view all the answers

What does inferential statistics allow researchers to do?

Draw conclusions about the population from the sample Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to choose a random sample from the population?

To ensure no biases are present in the selected sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step in any study involving data collection?

Describing the collected data Signup and view all the answers

Why do researchers typically collect data from a sample rather than the entire population?

Because it is impossible to collect data on all subjects within a population Signup and view all the answers

In a case-control study, what is compared to controls?

Non-exposed subjects Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of case-control studies?

High potential for observation and selection bias Signup and view all the answers

In a cohort study, what do the exposed subjects experience more or less commonly than the non-exposed subjects?

The specific outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between prospective and retrospective cohorts?

The timing of outcome development relative to when the study starts Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of randomized controlled trials?

Feasibility issues Signup and view all the answers

What does blinding in randomized controlled trials help to minimize?

Observation bias Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a meta-analysis?

To synthesize literature on a particular topic Signup and view all the answers

What must be derived from all clinical research studies according to ethical requirements?

Scientific validity Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals be informed about according to the informed consent requirement in clinical research?

The voluntary nature of their participation Signup and view all the answers

What should be minimized within the context of standard clinical practice and the research protocol, according to ethical requirements?

Risks and potential benefits enhanced for participants Signup and view all the answers

What should communities and individuals be selected for in clinical studies, according to ethical requirements?

Scientific objectives and vulnerability Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable has an unlimited possibility of values or any value could be given?

Continuous variable Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable has two value possibilities or categories for the variable?

Dichotomous variable Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable has two or more categories, but no way to order the values?

Nominal/categorical variable Signup and view all the answers

What type of study design saves time with available data and generates hypotheses?

Cross-sectional studies Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study design is designed to assess causation and requires examining the effect of an exposure on the development of some outcome?

Analytic studies Signup and view all the answers

In which type of study design does an observational study use data from entire populations to compare disease frequencies among different groups?

Correlational studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the most basic descriptive study of individuals that provides a detailed report about a single patient or a series of patients concerning factors related to illness or outcome?

Case series Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable is similar to nominal but with a clear ordering of the values?

Ordinal variable Signup and view all the answers

What type of data source is often not expensive to design a study, useful for small-scale projects, and helps to generate bigger ideas but can be time-consuming and may contain missing data?

Patient charts or health records Signup and view all the answers

In which type of study design is information on exposure, behavior, characteristics, and outcome of individuals assessed at the same point in time, saving time with available data and generating hypotheses?