Monday, January 6, 2025
10:12 AM
Statistics involves using mathematical formulas and calculations to organize, summarize,
describe, and interpret different forms of data.
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important.
- Statistics allow data to be described and communicated concisely.
- Statistics allow inferences to be drawn about data.
- Statistics equip us with the necessary tools needed to critically
evaluate information.
Variables
Qualitative -
those that are measured in non-numerical terms, such as labels or
categories.
Discrete - can be counted
Quantitative -
are measured in numerical terms.
Discrete -
can only hold discrete values that can be obtained by counting or
separated into categories.
Continuous -
can theoretically be broken down into infinitely smaller
components. E.g. length, time, speed, temp
4 scales of measurement
Qualitative
Nominal - names, provides categories
only provide categorical information
Ordinal - ordering, ranking by size or measure but we don't know the magnitude of difference
between values.
provides both categorical information and rank order
Quantitative
Interval - ordered values that are the same distance apart, does not contain an absolute zero, may
be negative.
when the variable does not have an absolute, or meaningful, zero
Ratio - ordered and are the same distance apart, there is a zero and can be divided in a
meaningful way, NO negatives.
Where in there exists an absolute zero
Variables in an experiment: