MATH 600

1. Definition of Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

 Descriptive Statistic - Descriptive statistics are brief descriptive

coefficients that summarize a given data set, which can be either a
representation of the entire or a sample of a population. Descriptive
statistics are broken down into measures of central tendency and
measures of variability (spread).

 Inferential Statistic - Inferential statistics use a random sample of

data taken from a population to describe and make inferences about
the population. Inferential statistics are valuable when examination of
each member of an entire population is not convenient or possible.

2. Define Nominal, Ordinal, Ratio and Interval

 Nominal - are used for labeling variables, without

any quantitative value. “Nominal” scales could simply be called
“labels.”

 Ordinal - are typically measures of non-numeric concepts like

satisfaction, happiness, discomfort, etc. refers to quantities that have
a natural ordering.

 Ratio - is interval data with a natural zero point. It tells about the
order, the exact value between units, and also have an absolute zero–
which allows for a wide range of both descriptive and inferential
statistics to be applied.

 Interval - are numeric scales in which we know both the order and
the exact differences between the values.

3. Define the different types of variables

 Quantitative - Variables that have are measured on a numeric or

quantitative scale. Ordinal, interval and ratio scales are quantitative.
 Qualitative - Also known as categorical variables, qualitative variables
are variables with no natural sense of ordering. They are therefore
measured on a nominal scale.
4. Measure of Central Tendency and Measure of Dispersion

 Measure of Central Tendency - is a number used to represent the

center or middle of a set of data values. The mean, median, and mode
are three commonly used measures of central tendency.

 Measure of Dispersion - is a statistic that tells you how dispersed, or

spread out, data values are. One simple measure of dispersion is the
range, which is the difference between the greatest and least data
values.

5. Steps in Statistical Investigation

The Stages of a Statistical Investigation

1. Make sure you understand the problem and then formulate it in statistical
terms. Clarify objectives of the investigation.

2. Plan the investigation and collect the data in an appropriate way.

3. Assess the structure and quality of the data. Scrutinize for errors, outliers
and missing values. Modify, if necessary, by transforming variables.

4. Carry out an initial examination of the data to obtain summary descriptive

statistics and perhaps get ideas for a more formal analysis.

5. Select and carry out an appropriate formal statistical procedure.

6. Compare the findings with any previous results and acquire further data if
necessary

7. Interpret and communicate the results