MATH225
Sampling Data: An Overview of Statistics
An Overview of Statistics
Vocabulary:
Data: Consist of information coming from observations, counts, measurements, or
responses.
Statistics: The science of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data in order
to make decisions.
Population: The collection of all outcomes, responses, measurements, or counts that are
of interest. (every, each, etc.)
Sample: A subset of the population. (smaller group)
Parameter: A number that describes a population characteristic.
Statistic: A number that describes a sample characteristic.
Descriptive Statistics: Involves organizing, summarizing, and displaying data.
e.g. Tables, charts, averages
Inferential Statistics: Involves using sample data to draw conclusions about a
population.
©2024 Chamberlain University 1
, Example: Determine whether the data set is a population or a sample. Explain your
reasoning.
The salary of each teacher in a school.
a) Population, because it is a collection of salaries for all teachers in the school.
b) Sample, because it is a collection of salaries for some teachers in the school.
c) Population, because it is a subset of all schools in the city.
d) Sample, because it is a collection of salaries for all teachers in the school but
there are other schools.
The grade of 5 students in a classroom of 30.
a) Sample, because it is a collection of grades for all students in the classroom,
but there are other classrooms.
b) Population, because it is a collection of grades for all students in the classroom.
c) Sample, because the collection of 5 students’ grades is a subset of all students in
the class.
d) Population, because it is a subset of all students in the class.
Example: In a poll, 1001 adults in a country were asked whether they favor or oppose the
use of “federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human
embryos.” Among the respondents, 48% said that they were in favor. Describe the
statistical study.
What is the population in the given problem?
a) The 1001 adults selected.
b) 48% of the 1001 adults selected.
c) 48% of the adults in the country
d) All adults in the country.
Identify the sample for the given problem.
a) The 1001 adults selected.
b) 48% of the 1001 adults selected.
©2024 Chamberlain University 2
Sampling Data: An Overview of Statistics
An Overview of Statistics
Vocabulary:
Data: Consist of information coming from observations, counts, measurements, or
responses.
Statistics: The science of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data in order
to make decisions.
Population: The collection of all outcomes, responses, measurements, or counts that are
of interest. (every, each, etc.)
Sample: A subset of the population. (smaller group)
Parameter: A number that describes a population characteristic.
Statistic: A number that describes a sample characteristic.
Descriptive Statistics: Involves organizing, summarizing, and displaying data.
e.g. Tables, charts, averages
Inferential Statistics: Involves using sample data to draw conclusions about a
population.
©2024 Chamberlain University 1
, Example: Determine whether the data set is a population or a sample. Explain your
reasoning.
The salary of each teacher in a school.
a) Population, because it is a collection of salaries for all teachers in the school.
b) Sample, because it is a collection of salaries for some teachers in the school.
c) Population, because it is a subset of all schools in the city.
d) Sample, because it is a collection of salaries for all teachers in the school but
there are other schools.
The grade of 5 students in a classroom of 30.
a) Sample, because it is a collection of grades for all students in the classroom,
but there are other classrooms.
b) Population, because it is a collection of grades for all students in the classroom.
c) Sample, because the collection of 5 students’ grades is a subset of all students in
the class.
d) Population, because it is a subset of all students in the class.
Example: In a poll, 1001 adults in a country were asked whether they favor or oppose the
use of “federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human
embryos.” Among the respondents, 48% said that they were in favor. Describe the
statistical study.
What is the population in the given problem?
a) The 1001 adults selected.
b) 48% of the 1001 adults selected.
c) 48% of the adults in the country
d) All adults in the country.
Identify the sample for the given problem.
a) The 1001 adults selected.
b) 48% of the 1001 adults selected.
©2024 Chamberlain University 2
