CNSL 503: A GUIDE TO A+. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FORMAT.LATEST UPDATE
Select all statements that are true about statistics.
1 Statistics are used to organize and summarize data.
2Statistics are used to interpret information.
3 Statistics allow inferences to be drawn about a sample group.
4 Statistics must be handled responsibly.
1,2,4
What are statistics?
Statistics is the mathematical field that helps us organize, describe, and interpret information or data.
Often included are mathematical formulas and calculations to help better understand large sets of
information.
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important.
1. Statistics allow data to be described and communicated concisely. For example, it is not feasible for
an instructor to report all 35 exam scores for feedback. Instead, the instructor can provide an average so
the student can have an idea of how well he or she did.
2. Statistics allow us to draw inferences about data, especially in science. An example is that researchers
can study people with depression and the effect of medication by taking a sample of say 1,000 people
with depression since it is unrealistic to interview every single person with depression. Further statistical
methods can lead to an inference about whether this medication is effective at treating depression.
3. Statistics give us the tools to make everyday decisions. As a consumer of products and information, an
understanding of statistics allows us to critically evaluate information presented to us and make
responsible decisions. This helps us avoid falling to false information and fake news.
qualitative variables
variables measured by category or label
quantitative variables
variables measured in numerical terms
discrete variables
involves counting whole numbers (0,1,2,3)
e.g. religion, number of patients in a hospital
continuous variables
involves measuring where the value can take a fraction or decimal values between two numbers
e.g. temperature, height, weight, TIME
, Select all items below that represent qualitative variables.
1 number of floors in a skyscraper
2 model of car
3 zip code
4 shoe size
1, 2, 3, 4
The number of hours that a college student studies for final exams is a quantitative variable. Which
statement below justifies this variable type?
1 The number of hours is a count of using whole numbers.
2 The number of hours is a label or category.
3 The number of hours is numeric and can be expressed as a decimal or fraction of a whole number.
4 The number of hours a student studies is a characteristic of the student.
3= quantiative
----
2= qualitative
1= discrete
Describe the differences between qualitative and quantitative data. Provide an example of each.
Quantitative data includes variables involving numbers that is measured as fractions or counted as
whole numbers. One example of a quantitative variable is weight in kg, with an example datum of
weight of 58.5 kg.
In contrast, qualitative data does not involve measuring or counting numbers, but rather involves labels,
names, and categories. Examples of qualitative data include eye color of green, female gender, agnostic
religion, and the presence of cancer.
What are discrete variables? Continuous variables? Be able to provide an example of each.
Quantitative variables can be either discrete or continuous.
Discrete variables can be organized into separate categories or counted using whole numbers.
Qualitative variables are discrete variables. Examples of discrete variables include religion and number
of people in a classroom.
Continuous variables can be broken down into fractions or decimal components. Examples of
continuous variables include height, weight, and temperature.
Describe the important variables involved in an experimental study.
The important variables involved in an experimental study are the independent variable, the dependent
variable, control variables, and extraneous variables.
Let us say that a researcher is doing an experiment to see whether or not a cold medication helps
patients with the flu feel better. The independent variable is the cause, in this case, the cold medication.
FORMAT.LATEST UPDATE
Select all statements that are true about statistics.
1 Statistics are used to organize and summarize data.
2Statistics are used to interpret information.
3 Statistics allow inferences to be drawn about a sample group.
4 Statistics must be handled responsibly.
1,2,4
What are statistics?
Statistics is the mathematical field that helps us organize, describe, and interpret information or data.
Often included are mathematical formulas and calculations to help better understand large sets of
information.
Name 3 reasons why statistics are important.
1. Statistics allow data to be described and communicated concisely. For example, it is not feasible for
an instructor to report all 35 exam scores for feedback. Instead, the instructor can provide an average so
the student can have an idea of how well he or she did.
2. Statistics allow us to draw inferences about data, especially in science. An example is that researchers
can study people with depression and the effect of medication by taking a sample of say 1,000 people
with depression since it is unrealistic to interview every single person with depression. Further statistical
methods can lead to an inference about whether this medication is effective at treating depression.
3. Statistics give us the tools to make everyday decisions. As a consumer of products and information, an
understanding of statistics allows us to critically evaluate information presented to us and make
responsible decisions. This helps us avoid falling to false information and fake news.
qualitative variables
variables measured by category or label
quantitative variables
variables measured in numerical terms
discrete variables
involves counting whole numbers (0,1,2,3)
e.g. religion, number of patients in a hospital
continuous variables
involves measuring where the value can take a fraction or decimal values between two numbers
e.g. temperature, height, weight, TIME
, Select all items below that represent qualitative variables.
1 number of floors in a skyscraper
2 model of car
3 zip code
4 shoe size
1, 2, 3, 4
The number of hours that a college student studies for final exams is a quantitative variable. Which
statement below justifies this variable type?
1 The number of hours is a count of using whole numbers.
2 The number of hours is a label or category.
3 The number of hours is numeric and can be expressed as a decimal or fraction of a whole number.
4 The number of hours a student studies is a characteristic of the student.
3= quantiative
----
2= qualitative
1= discrete
Describe the differences between qualitative and quantitative data. Provide an example of each.
Quantitative data includes variables involving numbers that is measured as fractions or counted as
whole numbers. One example of a quantitative variable is weight in kg, with an example datum of
weight of 58.5 kg.
In contrast, qualitative data does not involve measuring or counting numbers, but rather involves labels,
names, and categories. Examples of qualitative data include eye color of green, female gender, agnostic
religion, and the presence of cancer.
What are discrete variables? Continuous variables? Be able to provide an example of each.
Quantitative variables can be either discrete or continuous.
Discrete variables can be organized into separate categories or counted using whole numbers.
Qualitative variables are discrete variables. Examples of discrete variables include religion and number
of people in a classroom.
Continuous variables can be broken down into fractions or decimal components. Examples of
continuous variables include height, weight, and temperature.
Describe the important variables involved in an experimental study.
The important variables involved in an experimental study are the independent variable, the dependent
variable, control variables, and extraneous variables.
Let us say that a researcher is doing an experiment to see whether or not a cold medication helps
patients with the flu feel better. The independent variable is the cause, in this case, the cold medication.
