9/3/2015

Statistics

Mr. DeOms

Data Collection Methods

SWBAT compare and contrast surveys, experimental studies, and observational studies.
SWBAT build community and understanding by sharing images of self.

1. Classify each of the following as N, nominal; O, ordinal; I, interval; or R, ratio data:

a. brand of chocolate you prefer
b. year of your birth (A.D.)

c. weight of your pet

__________

__________

__________

d. degrees earned by your teachers

e. zip code of your local address

__________

__________

f. letter grade you will receive in this class

g. country you were born in

__________

__________

h. amount of money you have with you

__________

i. mileage (miles per gallon) your car gets

__________

2. What is the difference between a parameter and

a statistic?
3. Give an example of when a parameter might be preferred
by a researcher over a statistic.
4. Give an example of when a statistic must be used by a
researcher rather than a parameter.

Vocabulary in Todays Lesson

-

Data
Survey
Census
Experimental Study
Observational Study
Response Variable

Experimental Units
Subjects
Lurking Variable
Causation
Correlation
Association

Statistics is concerned with the collection and analysis of data.

There are several different types of statistical studies that are
used to collect data.

What kinds of methods do you think

statisticians use to collect data?

Survey participants from a sample answer a

questionnaire or are interviewed by a
researcher.
Census - a list of all individuals in a population
along with certain characteristics of each
individual.

Experimental Study researchers apply a treatment

to individuals in a sample (referred to as experimental
units or subjects) and attempts to isolate the effects
of the treatment on a response variable.

Observational Study researchers measure the

characteristics of a population by studying individuals
in a sample, but do not attempt to manipulate or
influence the variables of interest.

Example #1 - Observational or Experimental?

A group of students is interested in knowing if there is

a correlation between attending an SAT Prep class and
scores achieved on the SAT Examination. The students
use a survey to collect their data from both students
who took an SAT Prep class and those that did not take
an SAT Prep class. A statistical analysis is performed.

Example #2 - Observational or Experimental?

A group of students is interested in knowing if the

number of times they can sink a basketball is related to
the size of the basketball. The students shoot a series of
baskets and record their success using a mens
basketball. They then switch to a womens basketball
and shoot the same number of shots. A statistical
analysis is performed.

Observational studies are better when we

Experimental studies are better when we

Correlation - (aka association) a relationship exists

between two, or more, variables

For instance, in the case of the marijuana post(link is external), the

researchers found an association between using marijuana as a teen,
and having more troublesome relationships in mid, to late, twenties.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201003/correlationcausation-and-association-what-does-it-all-mean

Causation - changes in one variable measured directly

caused changes in the other.
An example would be research showing that jumping of a cliff directly
causes great physical damage. In order to do this, researchers would
need to assign people to jump off a cliff (versus lets say jumping off of a
12 inch ledge) and measure the amount of physical damage caused.
When they find that jumping off the cliff causes more damage, they can
assert causality. Good luck recruiting for that study!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201003/correlationcausation-and-association-what-does-it-all-mean

Observational studies only allow us to claim that

two variables have an correlation, we cannot
prove causation with observational studies.

A lurking variable is a variable that affects

both of the variables of interest, but is either
not known or is not acknowledged.

Homework
Make flash cards for all vocabulary words from
our notes so far
Study these definitions before next class ;) ;)
Bring flash cards to class