Module 1 - Applications of Statistics and Data Definitions Flashcards
Data
Things about which information can be collected and analyzed.
Data Set
An arranged collection of information that contains the various categories of data collected for a specific study
Element
The individual and unique entry in a data set about which data has been collected, analyzed, and presented in the same manner
Variable
A particular, measurable attribute that the researcher believes is needed to describe the element in their study.
What are some categories that can characterize elements or variables?
people, numerical information, geographical areas, etc.
TRUE or FALSE:
There is usually only one variable needed to provide measurable information about the element.
FALSE:
While in some cases there will be only one variable needed to provide measurable information about the element, most of the time there will be many variables used in the study
Observation
All the information collected for each element in a study
Why does there need to be a unique characteristic to an element?
In order to differentiate one element from another
and to avoid duplicating information in a study
TRUE or FALSE:
Every study has a potential where all the variables between the differing elements will have identical values
TRUE:
Every study has a potential where all the variables between the differing elements will have identical values
What is the key difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Mathematical operations only make sense when performed on quantitative data.
What are the two types of data collection?
Cross-sectional data
and
Time series data
Cross-sectional data
is where a researcher collects information or measurements for each variable on an element at the same (or roughly same) point. The point of reference could be a time or date, a point in space (such as a split or lap time in a race), or anything else that provides a basis of when the data stopped being collected of measure.
Cross-sectional data
Where a researcher collects information or measurements for each variable on an element at the same (or roughly same) point. The point of reference could be a time or date, a point in space (such as a split or lap time in a race), or anything else that provides a basis of when the data stopped being collected of measure.
Time series data
Data that is collected over a specific period of time.