Welcome to Falcon Online's AP Statistics, where we will take you on a journey to understanding the basics of statistics.
Every journey starts with the collection of data so let's understand what data really is and why we need it.
Data is the collection of numbers, characters, images, or other items, that provide information about something. In short, data are values along with context.
Statistics (singular) is a way of reasoning that is designed to help us understand the world
Statistics (plural) is the study of data and the calculations that are made from data
Quantitative vs. Categorical Data
Quantitative Data: Tells us the amount or degree of something
Ex: Class Rank, Temperature, Humidity, Weight, Height
Quantitative data can either be discrete or continuous
Discrete Data: Data that can only have a finite number of values (Ex: Number of Hospitalizations)
Continuous Data: Data that can have an infinite number of values (Ex: Length)
Categorical (Qualitative) Data: Tells us that the data can form categories
Ex: Grade Level, AP Scores, Manufacturer, Engine Size, Shoe Size
Answer the following two questions for practice over categorical and quantitative data. Answers and explanations will be provided in the next blog post.
Directions: For the description of data, specify for each variable whether its use indicates that it should be treated as categorical or quantitative, and, for any quantitative variable, identify if it is discrete or continuous
Question 1: Weighing Bears. Because of the difficulty of weighing a bear in the woods, researchers caught and measured 54 bears, recording their weight, neck size, length, and sex. They hoped to find a way to estimate weight from the other, more easily determined quantities.
Directions: Read the study described below then describe whether the variable is categorical or quantitative.
Question 2: The article in Collectible Cars which evaluated 17 different models listed each car's manufacturer, engine size, horsepower, mpg (miles per gallon), the annual cost of upkeep/repair and current market value.
Thanks for reading and comment below if you have any questions. Also, make sure to check out the other posts. Have fun studying!
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