Lecture Notes 1
The Nature of Probability and
Statistics
Reading (Bluman: Chapter 1)
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Outline
1 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
2 Variables and Types of Data
3 Data Collection and Sampling Techniques
4 Observational and Experimental Studies
5 Uses and Misuses of Statistics
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Introduction
Statistics is the science of conducting
studies to
collect,
organize,
summarize,
analyze, and
draw conclusions from data.
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1-1 Descriptive and Inferential
Statistics
A variable is a characteristic or attribute
that can assume different values.
The values that a variable can assume
are called data.
A population consists of all subjects
(human or otherwise) that are studied.
A sample is a subset of the population.
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1-1 Descriptive and Inferential
Statistics
Descriptive statistics consists of the
collection, organization, summarization,
and presentation of data.
Inferential statistics consists of
generalizing from samples to populations,
performing estimations and hypothesis
tests, determining relationships among
variables, and making predictions.
(Population parameter and statistics)
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1-2 Variables and Types of Data
Data
Qualitative Quantitative
Categorical Numerical,
Can be ranked
Discrete Continuous
Countable
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EXAMPLE Distinguishing between Qualitative and
Quantitative Variables
Researcher Elisabeth Kvaavik and others studied factors that affect the eating
habits of adults in their mid-thirties. (Source: Kvaavik E, et. al. Psychological
explanatorys of eating habits among adults in their mid-30’s (2005)
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2)9.)
Classify each of the following quantitative variables considered in the study as
discrete or continuous.
a. Number of children
b. Household income in the previous year
c. Daily intake of whole grains (measured in grams per day)
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1-2 Recorded Values and
Boundaries
Variable Recorded Value Boundaries
Length 15 centimeters 14.5-15.5 cm
(cm)
Temperature 86 Fahrenheit (F) 85.5-86.5 F
Time 0.43 second (sec) 0.425-0.435 sec
Mass 1.6 grams (g) 1.55-1.65 g
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1-2 Variables and Types of Data
Levels of Measurement
1. Nominal – categorical (names)
2. Ordinal – nominal, plus can be ranked (order)
3. Interval – ordinal, plus intervals are consistent
4. Ratio – interval, plus ratios are consistent, true
zero
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1-2 Variables and Types of Data
Determine the measurement level.
Variable Nominal Ordinal Interval Ratio Level
Hair Color Yes No Nominal
Zip Code Yes No Nominal
Letter Grade Yes Yes No Ordinal
Temperature (F) Yes Yes Yes No Interval
Height Yes Yes Yes Yes Ratio
Age Yes Yes Yes Yes Ratio
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1-3 Data Collection and Sampling
Techniques
Some Sampling Techniques
Probability sampling
Simple Random
Systematic
Stratified
Cluster
Non-probability sampling
Convenient
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Simple Random Sampling
A sample of size n from a population of size N is
obtained through simple random sampling if
every possible sample of size n has an equally
likely chance of occurring. The sample is then
called a simple random sample.
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Systematic random sampling
A systematic sample is obtained by
selecting every kth individual from the
population. The first individual selected
is a random number between 1 and k.
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Systematic random sampling
A systematic sample is obtained by
selecting every kth individual from the
population. The first individual selected
is a random number between 1 and k.
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Stratified random sampling
A stratified sample is one obtained by
separating the population into homogeneous,
non-overlapping groups called strata, and
then obtaining a simple random sample from
each stratum.
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EXAMPLE Obtaining a Systematic Sample
A quality control engineer wants to obtain a
systematic sample of 25 bottles coming off a
filling machine to verify the machine is working
properly. Design a sampling technique that can
be used to obtain a sample of 25 bottles.
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Cluster random sampling
A cluster sample is obtained by selecting
all individuals within a randomly selected
collection or group of individuals.
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EXAMPLE Obtaining a Cluster Sample
A school administrator wants to obtain a sample
of students in order to conduct a survey. She
randomly selects 10 classes and administers the
survey to all the students in the class.
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Convenience sampling
• Uses subjects that are convenient
• Eg. Researcher interview subjects
entering a local mall in a marketing
research
• Non-probabilistic (Sample not
representative of the general
customers)
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1-4 Observational and
Experimental Studies
In an observational study, the researcher
merely observes and tries to draw conclusions
based on the observations.
The researcher manipulates the independent
(explanatory) variable and tries to determine
how the manipulation influences the dependent
(outcome) variable in an experimental study.
A confounding variable influences the
dependent variable but cannot be separated
from the independent variable.
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1-5 Uses and Misuses of Statistics
Read Chapter 1.5
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