Portage_statistics__Module1.pdf

Research data can be gathered in one of two ways: 1) Through existing information that was already collected and is stored somewhere. 2) Through direct collection of information by conducting surveys, sending out questionnaires, performing experimental testing, etc. Since the dawn of civilization, every well run organization has collected and maintained information. It is well known that tax collectors in ancient Rome kept detailed records of who paid their taxes … and that was over 2000 years ago!! Today, with the advent of computers in everyday life, data is collected and stored every minute of every day. Businesses keep records on employees, suppliers, customers, inventory, accounts receivable, etc. The United States government keeps records on general population information through the census every 10 years, yearly tax collections, the money supply, business activity, etc. Schools keep records on current students, alumni, benefactors, research projects, grants, student loans, etc. A person can find a wealth of free information if they only know where to look. Nearly every department of the U.S. government has a website where citizens can get information: The Census Bureau ( A person can also find a wealth of free data from various news sources such as the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal and Investor's Business Daily. Another key way to gather information is to simply buy it. There are also lots of companies who collect data and offer the information for sale. A simple internet search will list hundreds, if not thousands, of reputable (and some not so reputable) companies that are willing to share the information they have collected for a fee. One of the most famous of these for profit companies is called A.C. Nielsen. This company has been the primary collector of market information for the radio and television industries for over 75 years. Another well known data collection company is called the Dow Jones Company. Dow Jones provides businesses and investors with up-to-the-minute financial information on companies across the globe. Even though there are thousands of places where people can get existing data, more times than not, the information a researcher needs is not found anywhere. In cases like this, the researcher needs to collect the necessary data themselves through a statistical study. There are two basic types of statistical studies: experimental and observational. An experimental study begins with a researcher making a thorough review of the given situation. During this review, the researcher identifies the variables that have an influence on the individual elements in the study. During the actual study, the researcher will then attempt to manipulate some of the variables in the study while holding others constant. The researcher will then compare the elements in the study to each other in order to understand how the manipulated variables impacted the element being studied. In an observational study, the researcher collects information not by influencing the variables in the study, but by simply observing the variable in action. The observation can be passive or active. A passive observation is when the researcher has no interaction with the subject but collects information from a distance. An active observation is when the researcher interacts with the subject to some degree. This interaction can be as non-obtrusive as simply handing out a survey for the subject to fill out or can be highly interactive as is the case for the researcher asking a slew of questions on a questionnaire or by conducting a focus group analysis. Now let's look at a few simple applications using these research principles. Mr. Benn is a fictitious small business owner who owns Gentle Benn's Bakeries. He currently has two bakeries that are located across the street from the front gates of the Downtown and Lafayette campuses of Analysis State University. Mr. Benn is considering expanding not only his business operations but also would like to add items to his menu. To determine if it is feasible to expand his business, Mr. Benn first gathered information on his current customer base and also organized his