Statistics 1.1

Population Parameter

A population parameter is a numerical measure that describes an aspect of a population.

Qualitative

A qualitative variable describes an individual by placing the individual into a category or group, such as male or female.

Quantitative

A quantitative variable has a value or numerical measurement for which operations such as addition or averaging make sense.

Sample Statistic

A sample statistic is a numerical measure that describes an aspect of a sample

Variable

A variable is a characteristic of the individual to be measured or observed.

Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics involves methods of organizing, picturing, and summa- rizing information from samples or populations.

Population Data

In population data, the data are from every individual of interest.

Sample Data

In sample data, the data are from only some of the individuals of interest.

Individuals

Individuals are the people or objects included in the study.

Inferential Statistics

Inferential statistics involves methods of using information from a sample to draw conclusions regarding the population.

Statistics

Statistics is the study of how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret numerical information from data.

Interval Level

The interval level of measurement applies to data that can be arranged in order. In addition, differences between data values are meaningful.

Nominal Level

The nominal level of measurement applies to data that consist of names, labels, or categories. There are no implied criteria by which the data can be ordered from smallest to largest.

Ordinal Level

The ordinal level of measurement applies to data that can be arranged in order. However, differences between data values either cannot be deter- mined or are meaningless.

Ratio Level

The ratio level of measurement applies to data that can be arranged in order. In addition, both differences between data values and ratios of data values are meaningful. Data at the ratio level have a true zero.