Chapter 1 Unit 1 Flashcards
Categorical variable
A variable that has a finite number of classification groups or categories, which are usually qualitative in nature.
Empirical method
A way of gathering information through systematic observation and experimentation.
Continuous variable
A variable that has an infinite number of potential values, with the value of being measured falling somewhere on a continuum containing in-between values.
Dependent Variable
The outcome variable or final result.
Estimate
A preliminary approximation
Independent variable
A variable measured or controlled by the experimenter; the variable that is thought to affect the outcome.
Interval data
Data whose categories are exhaustive, exclusive, rank-ordered, with equally spaced intervals.
Nominal data
Data that indicates a difference only, with categories that are exhaustive and exclusive but not rank-ordered.
Ordinal data
Data whose categories are exhaustive, exclusive, and rank-ordered.
Parameter
Descriptive result for the whole group
Population
The whole group.
Probability
The likelihood that an outcome will occur.
Qualitative measure
A measure that describes or characterizes an attribute.
Quantitative measure
A measure that reflects a numeric amount
Ratio data
Data whose categories are exhaustive, exclusive, and rank-ordered with equally spaced intervals and a point at which the variable does not exist.
