CNSL 503
MODULE 1 STUDY GUIDE EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are statistics? - ANSWER-Statistics encompass the mathematical field that allows us to
organize, summarize, describe, and interpret different forms of information.
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important - ANSWER-1. Statistics allow data to be described
and communicated succinctly and concisely.
2. Statistics allow inferences to be drawn about data, particularly when it is not feasible to collect
information from all members of a certain group.
3. Statistics equip us with the necessary tools needed to critically evaluate information.
Qualitative variables - ANSWER-Variables measured in non-numerical terms, using categories
or labels
Quantitative variables - ANSWER-Variables measured in numerical terms
Discrete variables - ANSWER-Those that hold discrete values, such that they can be organized
into separate categories or counted using whole numbers
Continuous variables - ANSWER-Variables that can theoretically be broken down into infinitely
smaller, fractional components
Name at least 3 examples of qualitative variables - ANSWER-One's religion, ethnicity, eye color,
and career
Name at least 3 examples of quantitative variables - ANSWER-Weight, height, heart rate, and
test scores
Describe the important variables involved in an experimental study - ANSWER-The variable that
is manipulated in an experiment is known as the independent variable, and the variable that is
measured for any observable effect is known as the dependent variable. A control variable is a
variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment. Extraneous, or confounding,
variables include any variables that could unintentionally affect the dependent variable.
Suppose you want to study the effects of a genetically modified diet on the weight of dogs.
Give at least 3 examples of extraneous variables.
Explain why the variables are extraneous.
MODULE 1 STUDY GUIDE EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are statistics? - ANSWER-Statistics encompass the mathematical field that allows us to
organize, summarize, describe, and interpret different forms of information.
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important - ANSWER-1. Statistics allow data to be described
and communicated succinctly and concisely.
2. Statistics allow inferences to be drawn about data, particularly when it is not feasible to collect
information from all members of a certain group.
3. Statistics equip us with the necessary tools needed to critically evaluate information.
Qualitative variables - ANSWER-Variables measured in non-numerical terms, using categories
or labels
Quantitative variables - ANSWER-Variables measured in numerical terms
Discrete variables - ANSWER-Those that hold discrete values, such that they can be organized
into separate categories or counted using whole numbers
Continuous variables - ANSWER-Variables that can theoretically be broken down into infinitely
smaller, fractional components
Name at least 3 examples of qualitative variables - ANSWER-One's religion, ethnicity, eye color,
and career
Name at least 3 examples of quantitative variables - ANSWER-Weight, height, heart rate, and
test scores
Describe the important variables involved in an experimental study - ANSWER-The variable that
is manipulated in an experiment is known as the independent variable, and the variable that is
measured for any observable effect is known as the dependent variable. A control variable is a
variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment. Extraneous, or confounding,
variables include any variables that could unintentionally affect the dependent variable.
Suppose you want to study the effects of a genetically modified diet on the weight of dogs.
Give at least 3 examples of extraneous variables.
Explain why the variables are extraneous.
