Introduction to Statistics

• What is the definition of data?


  Information
• What is a dataset?


  A matrix that contains your data
• What is an observation in data collection?


  A case of data being collected
• What is a variable in the context of data?


  An attribute or characteristic of the observation
• How are variables related to data?


  Data are made up of variables, reflecting unique measurements or qualities
• What must variables have to be considered as such?


  At least 2 possible values
• What is a qualitative variable?


  A variable that describes a quality rather than taking on a meaningful numerical value
• Can qualitative values be assigned numbers?


  Yes, but these numbers act as labels, not meaningful numbers
• What defines quantitative variables?


  They take on a numerical value
• What is the difference between discrete and continuous variables?


  Discrete variables take on specific values, while continuous variables can fall anywhere within a range
• What is an example of a discrete variable?


  A rating score
• What is an example of a continuous variable?


  Time
• What is a caveat regarding discrete variables?


  Discrete variables measured with sufficient precision can be treated as continuous
• What is the dependent variable in statistical notation?


  Typically denoted as Y
• What is the independent variable in statistical notation?


  Typically denoted as X
• What are the four ways the values of a variable can differ?


  • Identify: Each value has a different meaning
  • Magnitude: Values reflect different magnitudes and have an ordered relationship
  • Equal intervals: Units along the scale are equal
  • Absolute zero: The scale has a true, meaningful zero point
• What is another name for nominal variables?


  Categorical
• How do values of a nominal variable differ?


  By identity, representing qualitative labels rather than numbers
• What distinguishes ordinal variables from nominal variables?


  Ordinal variables differ in identity and magnitude, allowing for ordered relationships
• What is unique about interval variables?


  They differ in magnitude, and the magnitude between measurements is equal
• What is a key feature of ratio variables?


  They include an absolute zero and differ in identity, magnitude, and equal differences
• How does a ratio variable differ from an interval variable?


  A ratio variable has a true zero point, while an interval variable does not
• What is a Likert scale?


  A psychometric instrument used in surveys and questionnaires
• What type of variable is a Likert scale considered?


  Discrete