Descriptive Statistics and the Normal Distribution Chapter 1 study guide

Statistics – science of collecting, organizing, summarizing, and analyzing information to draw conclusions or answer questions. 1) Collection of information 2) Organization/Summarization of info 3) Information analyzed 4) Results should be reported using some measure that represents how convinced we are that our conclusions reflect reality Information (data)– data defined by American Heritage Dictas defines as “a fact or proportion used to draw a conclusion or make a decision. Data can be numerical or nonnumerical. Data describes characterics of an individual. Data is used to draw conclusion or make decision. **Data misused occurs when data are incorrectly obtained or analyzed. (always be mindful of where data comes from) Lurking variable - other facts that can alter the results . 2 variables are often influenced by a 3rd variable. DATA – key aspect is that it varies. (ex: people are different height, what we eat and amt we sleep a night varies as well) Process of Statistics **Population – entire group to be studied **Individual – person or obj that is a member of the population **Sample – subset of population that is being studied Exampled – population is all students, each student is individual,