Quantitative Methods Chapter 1 – Flashcards
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data
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facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis
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statistics
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the science of data. It involves collecting, classifying, summarizing, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting numerical and categorical information
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descriptive statistics
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utilizes numerical and graphical methods to explore data, i.e., to look for patterns in a data set, to summarize the information revealed in a data set, and to present the information in a convenient form
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inferential statistics
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utilizes sample data to make estimates, decisions, predictions, or other generalizations about a larger set of data
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inference
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estimate of the characteristics or properties of a population derived from the analysis of a sample drawn from it
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experimental/observational unit
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is an object usually a person, thing, transaction, or event upon which we collect data
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a population
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is a set of units sometimes people, objects, transactions, or events that we are interested in studying.
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variable
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is a characteristic or property of an individual experimental or observational unit
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measurement
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is the process we use to assign numbers to variables of individual population units
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Census
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the measure of a variable for every experimental unit of a population
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sample
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is a subset of the units of a population
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statistical inference
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is an estimate of prediction or some other generalization about a population based on information contained in a sample
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reliability
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how good an inference is
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measure of reliability
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is a statement usually quantified about the degree of uncertainty associated with a statistical inference
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four elements of descriptive statistical problems
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-the population or sample of interest -one or more variables that are to be investigated -tables, graphs, or numerical summary tools -identification of patterns in the data
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five elements of inferential statistical problems
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-the population of interest -one or more variables that are to be investigated -the sample of population units -the inference about the population based on information contained in the sample -a measure of reliability for the inference
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a process
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is a series of actions or operations that transforms inputs to outputs, a process produces or generates output overtime
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black box
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a process whose operations or actions or unknown or unspecified
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sample (produced by a process)
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Any set of output object or numbers (produced by a process)
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quantitative data
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are measurements that are recorded on a naturally occurring numerical scale
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qualitative data
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are measurements that cannot be measured on a natural numerical scale; they can only be classified into one group of categorties
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3 ways to obtain data
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data from a published source data from a designed experiment data from an observational study example survey
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published source
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book, journal, newspaper, or web site,
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designed experiment
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a method in which the collection of data involves conducting a designed experiment, in which the researcher exerts strict control over the units people, objects, or events, in the study
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observational study
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the researcher observes the experimental units in their natural setting and records the variables of interest
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survey
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the most common type of observational study, researcher samples a small group of people, asks one or more questions and records responses
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representative sample
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exhibits characteristics typical of those possessed by the population of interest
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simple random sample
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a simple random sample of N experimental units is a sample selected from a population in such a way that every different sample of size N has an equal chance of selection
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random number generator
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Random number generators are available in table form, online, and in most statistical software packages
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complex random sampling designs
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stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, and randomized response sampling
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selection bias
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results when a subset of experimental units in the population has little or no chance of being selected for the sample
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nonresponsive bias
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is a type of selection bias that results when data on all experimental units in a sample are not obtained
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measurement error
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refers to inaccuracies in the values of the data collected. In surveys, the error may be due ambiguous or leading questions and the interviewers effect on the respondent
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quantitative literacy
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the ability to evaluate data intelligently
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statistical thinking
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involves applying rational thought and the science of statistics to critically assess data and inferences. Fundamental to the thought process is that variation exists in populations and process data
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unethical statistical practice
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the selection bias in the sample is chosen intentionally, with the sole purpose to mislead the public
