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1. Statistics: encompass the mathematical field that allows us to organize, summa-
rize, describe, and interpret different forms of information
2. data (singular datum): mathematical formulas and calculations to understand
both small and large sets of information
3. Name 3 reasons why statistics are important.: 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
4. What are variables?: Measurable characteristics that vary, or change, over time
or across people. can be divided into two categories.
5. what are the two categories variables can be divided into?: Qualitative and
quantitative
6. Qualitative: (categorical)
- non numerical
-discrete
-use labels or categories
-example: religion, ethnicity, eye color
7. Quantitative: -measured in numeric terms
-divided further: discrete or continuous
-examples: weight, height, heart rate, and test scores
8. discrete: -organized by whole numbers
-Discrete variables are those that can only hold discrete values that can be obtained
by counting. An example would be the number of restaurants in a particular town
9. continuous: -Continuous variables can theoretically be broken down into infinite-
ly smaller, fractional components
-Examples of continuous variables include temperature, length, time, and speed.
10. experiment: a specific research methodology aimed at examining cause-effect
relationships
11. experimental studies: studies in which the independent variables are directly
manipulated and the effects on the dependent variable are examined
12. what are the important variables in experimental studies?: independent
variables, dependent variables, control variables, extraneous or confounding vari-
ables
13. independent variables: the variable manipulated by researchers to observe the
dependent variable
14. dependent variables: the variable measured for observation
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