LEC 3

Question 1

Characteristics of Statistics

Answer 1

1. Aggregates
2. Multiplicity of causes.
3. Estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy
4. Collected in a systematic manner for a predetermined purpose.

Question 2

Characteristics of Statistics:
Must be in aggregates

Answer 2

Must be in aggregates - this means that statistics are ‘number of facts’. A single fact, even though numerically stated, cannot be called statistics

Question 3

Characteristics of Statistics :
Multiplicity of Causes

Answer 3

They must be affected to a marked extent by a multiplicity of causes. This means that statistics are aggregates of such facts only as they grow out of a ‘variety of circumstances.

Question 4

Characteristics of Statistics :
Estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy

Answer 4

They must be enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy.

This means that if aggregates of numerical facts are to be called ‘statistics’ they must be reasonably accurate.

This is necessary because statistical data are to serve as a basis for statistical investigations. If the basis happens to be incorrect the results are bound to be misleading.

Question 5

Characteristics of Statistics:
Collected in a systematic manner

Answer 5

They must have been collected in a systematic manner for a predetermined purpose.

Numerical data can only be referred to as statistics if they have been assembled in a well-planned manner and with a clear purpose in mind.

Question 6

The term ‘statistics’ is used to mean ‘______________’ ; it refers to a body of methods that are used for collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting _______ data for understanding a phenomenon or making wise decisions.

Answer 6

numerical

Question 7

In this sense, statistics is a branch of _____ method and helps us to know in a better way the object’ under study.

Answer 7

scientific method

Question 8

Branch of modern statistics that is most relevant to public health and clinical medicine.

Answer 8

Statistical Inference

Question 9

Branch of statistics deals with techniques of making conclusions about the population

Answer 9

Statistical Inference

Question 10

__________ builds upon descriptive statistics.

Answer 10

Inferential statistics

Question 10

The inferences are drawn from particular properties of the sample to particular properties of the population.

Answer 10

Statistics Inference

Question 11

When the different statistical methods are applied in biological, medical and public health data they constitute the discipline of __________.

Answer 11

Biostatistics

Question 12

Rationale of studying Statistics

Answer 12

The planning, conduct, and interpretation of much of medical research are becoming increasingly reliant on statistical technology.

Question 13

As a consequence of the increasingly quantitative nature of public health and medicine and its reliance on ________, the medical literature is replete with reports in which ________ techniques are used extensively.

Answer 13

statistical
—
Statistics literature

Question 14

Any aspect of an individual that is measured and take any value for different individuals or cases, like blood pressure, or records, like age, sex is called a __________.

Answer 14

variable

Question 15

It is helpful to divide variables into different types, as different statistical methods are applicable to each. The main division is into qualitative [or ______] or quantitative [or __________].

Answer 15

numerical variables

Question 16

_________ cannot be measured in quantitative form but can only be identified by name or categories, for instance place of birth, ethnic group, type of drug, stages of breast cancer.

they can be of two types (______ or _______)

Answer 16

Qualitative variable
1. nominal
2. ordinal

Question 17

_______ can be measured and expressed numerically and they can be of two types (______ or _______)

Answer 17

Quantitative variable
1. discrete
2. continuous

Question 18

_________ represent categories or names. There is no implied order to the categories of nominal data, in these types of data, individuals are simply placed in the proper category or group, and the number in each category is counted.

Answer 18

Nominal data

Question 19

_________ occur when the observations are integers that correspond with a count of some sort. Some common examples are: the number of bacteria colonies on a plate, the number of cells within a prescribed area upon microscopic examination, the number of heart beats within a specified time interval.

Answer 19

Numerical discrete

Question 20

Various data collection techniques can be used such as:

Answer 20

1. Observation
2. Face to face and self administered interviews
3. Postal or mail method and telephone interviews
4. Using available information
5. Focus group discussion (FGD)
6. Other data collection techniques

Question 21

A technique that involves systematically selecting, watching and redoing behaviors of people or other phenomena and aspects of the setting in which they occur, for the purpose of getting (gaining) specified information.

Answer 21

Observation

Question 22

Includes all methods from simple visual observation to the use of high level machines and measurements, sophisticated equipment of facilities, such as radiographic, biochemical, x-ray machines, microscope, clinical examinations, and microbiological examinations.

Answer 22

Observation

Question 23

The most commonly used research data collection techniques.

Answer 23

Interviews and self-administered questionnaire