Ch. 2 Key Terms

Question 1

statistics

Answer 1

the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of inferring proportions in a whole from those in a representative sample.

Question 2

mean

Answer 2

is the number obtained by adding the data fora characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals.

Question 3

distribution

Answer 3

is the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population.

Question 4

probability

Answer 4

The chance that something will happen

Question 5

sample

Answer 5

a group of individuals or events selected to represent the population

Question 6

risk

Answer 6

is the probability of an unwanted outcome

Question 7

models

Answer 7

are representations of objects or systems.

Question 8

conceptual model

Answer 8

is a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized.

Question 9

mathematical model

Answer 9

is one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works.

Question 10

observation

Answer 10

is a piece of information we gather using our senses—our sight, hearing, smell, and touch.

Question 11

hypothesis

Answer 11

is a testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation.

Question 12

prediction

Answer 12

a logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is supported.

Question 13

experiment

Answer 13

is a procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.

Question 14

varible

Answer 14

is the factor of interest, which, in our example, would be the level of phosphate in the water.

Question 15

experimental group

Answer 15

The group that receives the experimental treatment is called the experimental

Question 16

control group

Answer 16

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment is called the control group.

Question 17

data

Answer 17

The information that a scientist gathers during an experiment, which is often in numeric form

Question 18

correlations

Answer 18

the linear dependence between two variables

Question 19

valuables

Answer 19

principles or standards we consider important.

Question 20

decision making model

Answer 20

is a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions