Research methodsLesson 1 of 3 in the course Sampling and Data

Data Types, Sampling Methods, Bias, and Sample Variation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Data are observations collected about people, objects, or events. Knowing what kind of data you have helps you choose appropriate summaries and analyses.

A population is the entire group that a study aims to understand. A sample is a subset of that population from which data are collected. Individual observations are often represented by lowercase letters such as xx or yy.

All flashcards

What is a population?
The entire group of individuals or objects that a statistical study aims to understand.
What is a sample?
A subset of a population from which observations are collected.
What are qualitative data?
Data that classify or describe attributes using categories or labels, such as blood type or hair color.
How do discrete and continuous data differ?
Discrete data result from counting and take distinct countable values. Continuous data result from measurement and may include fractions or decimals.
Can data change type when reported?
Yes. Numeric quiz scores, for example, can be converted into letter-grade categories, making the reported values qualitative.

Quiz questions

  1. What is a sample in a statistical study?Answer: A subset of the population from which observations are collected.
  2. Which type of data describes attributes using labels or categories?Answer: Qualitative data.
  3. The number of books in a student's backpack is what type of data?Answer: Quantitative discrete data.
  4. Why is the duration of a phone call considered continuous data?Answer: It is measured and may take fractional values, such as 2.4 minutes.
  5. Quiz scores are converted into letter grades. What kind of data are the reported grades?Answer: Qualitative categorical data.

Based on Introductory Statistics 2e by Barbara Illowsky, Susan Dean (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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