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This Portage Math 110 Statistics Module 1 Exam consists of fundamental questions about data collection,
experimental design, and statistical foundations. Key concepts include distinguishing between populations and
samples, understanding levels of measurement, and identifying variables.
Key Exam Concepts & Definitions
1. Main Branches of Statistics
• Descriptive Statistics: Branch that involves organizing, summarizing, and displaying data (e.g., using
charts, graphs, and averages).
• Inferential Statistics: Branch that uses a sample to draw conclusions or make predictions about an
entire population.
2. Population vs. Sample
• Population: The complete collection of all elements, subjects, or individuals being studied.
• Sample: A smaller, representative subset of the population used to collect data.
3. Parameter vs. Statistic
• Parameter: A numerical measure that describes a characteristic of an entire population (often denoted
with Greek letters, e.g., \(\mu \) for mean).
• Statistic: A numerical measure that describes a characteristic of a sample (often denoted with Latin
letters, e.g., \(\={x}\) for mean).
4. Data Types and Variables
• Qualitative Data: Categorical or descriptive attributes (e.g., eye color, hair color, car model).
• Quantitative Data: Numerical information that can be measured or counted.
• Discrete Variable: Quantitative variables with countable, distinct whole number values (e.g., number of
pets in a household).
• Continuous Variable: Quantitative variables that can take any value within a range, including decimals
and fractions (e.g., weight, time, height).
5. Levels of Measurement
• Nominal: Qualitative categories with no inherent order (e.g., zip codes, political parties).
• Ordinal: Categories with a meaningful order, but differences between values cannot be measured or are
meaningless (e.g., movie ratings, ranking in a race).
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, • Interval: Numerical data with equal, meaningful intervals, but no true zero (e.g., temperature in degrees
Celsius).
• Ratio: Numerical data with equal intervals and a true, meaningful zero where zero indicates the absence of
the quantity (e.g., height, weight, bank account balance).
6. Sampling Techniques
• Simple Random Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
• Systematic Sampling: Selecting every \(n^{\text{th}}\) individual from a population list (e.g., every 10th
person).
• Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into similar subgroups (strata) and randomly selecting a
proportional number from each stratum.
• Cluster Sampling: Dividing the population into naturally-occurring groups (clusters), and selecting all
members from one or more (but not all) clusters.
Quiz_________________?
Statistics -
Answer
encompass the mathematical field that allows us to organize, summarize, describe,
and interpret different forms of information
Quiz_________________?
data (singular datum) -
Answer
mathematical formulas and calculations to understand both small and large sets of
information
Quiz_________________?
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important. -
Answer
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, 1. Allows data to be described and communicated succinctly and concisely
2. allow us to draw inferences about data, particularly when it is not feasible to
collect information from all members of a certain group
3. equips us with the necessary tools to make everyday decisions
Quiz_________________?
What are variables? -
Answer
Measurable characteristics that vary, or change, over time or across people. can
be divided into two categories.
Quiz_________________?
what are the two categories variables can be divided into? -
Answer
Qualitative and quantitative
Quiz_________________?
Qualitative -
Answer
(categorical)
- non numerical
-discrete
-use labels or categories
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