CNSL 503 Module 1 UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT Answers
Statistics Encompasses the mathematical field that allows us to organize, summarize,
describe, and interpret different forms of information
Data (datum) Small and large sets of information
What are statistics important? 1) allows data to be described and communicated succinctly and concisely
2) means by which researchers communicate their work with one another and the
general public, clear and understandable
3) allow inferences to be drawn about data, particularly when it is not feasible to
collect info from all members of a certain group
4) equip us with the necessary tools needed to make everyday decisions
Variable Measurable characteristics that can vary in value
Qualitative variable Non-numerical terms, using labels or categories (religion, ethnicity, eye color,
career)
Quantitative variable Measured in numerical terms (weight, height, hr rate, test score)
Discrete variable quantitative variable that is organized by whole numbers (0,1,2,3...) (number of
people, children, animals)
independent variable Variable that is manipulated in an experiment
Dependent variable The variable that is measured for any observation effect
Control variable A variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment
Extraneous or confounding variables Include any variables that could unintentionally affect the dependent variable
Qualitative variables are measured by Nominal or ordinal scales
Nominal scale Variables that provide categorical info (blood type, college majors, room numbers)
(not greater than or less than)
Ordinal scale Categorical info, ranking, or measure (finishing spots 1st, 2nd, 3rd; shirt sizes, ) (it
does differ by not clear by how much )
Ratio scale There exists an absolute zero, 0 has a meaning (cups of coffee, height, weight)
CORRECT Answers
Statistics Encompasses the mathematical field that allows us to organize, summarize,
describe, and interpret different forms of information
Data (datum) Small and large sets of information
What are statistics important? 1) allows data to be described and communicated succinctly and concisely
2) means by which researchers communicate their work with one another and the
general public, clear and understandable
3) allow inferences to be drawn about data, particularly when it is not feasible to
collect info from all members of a certain group
4) equip us with the necessary tools needed to make everyday decisions
Variable Measurable characteristics that can vary in value
Qualitative variable Non-numerical terms, using labels or categories (religion, ethnicity, eye color,
career)
Quantitative variable Measured in numerical terms (weight, height, hr rate, test score)
Discrete variable quantitative variable that is organized by whole numbers (0,1,2,3...) (number of
people, children, animals)
independent variable Variable that is manipulated in an experiment
Dependent variable The variable that is measured for any observation effect
Control variable A variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment
Extraneous or confounding variables Include any variables that could unintentionally affect the dependent variable
Qualitative variables are measured by Nominal or ordinal scales
Nominal scale Variables that provide categorical info (blood type, college majors, room numbers)
(not greater than or less than)
Ordinal scale Categorical info, ranking, or measure (finishing spots 1st, 2nd, 3rd; shirt sizes, ) (it
does differ by not clear by how much )
Ratio scale There exists an absolute zero, 0 has a meaning (cups of coffee, height, weight)
