Intro to Statistics

Brian Kever
Michael McKenzie
UALR UTeach
Statistics

Why You Need to Study

Statistics
Statistics
Almost everyday you are exposed to statistics
when you read newspapers and journals. It is
important to be able to understand the data
presented and to make logical decisions with
the given information.
Statistics
Statistics - The science of collecting,
organizing, analyzing, and interpreting
data in order to make decisions.
Statistics
The purpose of collecting data is to make a
decision about a certain situation. For
instance, suppose a store wants to determine
how many checkout lanes to open at a certain
time. Data would need to be collected and
analyzed to determine the average number of
shoppers at the store during the given time.
The store could then make the decision to
open more checkout lanes during that time of
day or possibly hire more cashiers to meet the
demand.
Origins of Statistics
The uses of statistics date back to the ancient
Babylonians, Egypt, and Roman Empire.
Statistics is derived from the Latin word status
which means state.
Statistics
Two Branches of Statistics

Descriptive involves the organization,

summarization, and display of data. Charts,
tables, and graphs are examples of descriptive
statistics.

Inferential involves a sample to draw

conclusions about a population. Inferential
statistics is a basic tool used in probability.
Data
Data - Information collected from
observations, counts, measurements, or
responses. Data is usually numbers such
as a persons age or the number of blue
cars that pass an intersection in a
particular day, but doesnt have to be a
number
Data
Two types of data

Qualitative consists of attributes, labels, or non

numerical entries. Think quality!

Examples: baseball player numbers on their jerseys, names, cities, TV

programs, ice cream flavors, and models of cars

Quantitative consists of numerical measurements or

counts. Think quantity!

Examples: prices of cars, the ages of your family members, the

income of employees, temperatures of a city, and the number of pets
in a household
Examples
Determine whether the data are qualitative or
quantitative:

The social security numbers of 10 people in the

U.S.

The wait times at a doctors office.

The different species of starfish living in the

Gulf of Mexico.
Examples
Determine whether the data are qualitative or
quantitative:

The social security numbers of 10 people in the

U.S.
Qualitative

The wait times at a doctors office.

Quantitative

The different species of starfish living in the

Gulf of Mexico.
Qualitative
Population
Population - The collection of all outcomes,
measurements, or counts. The population
contains everything and everyone.
Sample
Sample - A part or subset of the population. A
sample contains data from some of the people
or outcomes or measurements.
Examples
Determine whether the data set is a
population or sample.

The blood pressure of each patient in a hospital

when they were admitted.

The number of parasites on 25 catfish caught in

a lake.

The final scores of each football game played

on Friday night.
Examples
Determine whether the data set is a population or
sample.

The blood pressure of each patient in a hospital

when they were admitted.
Population All patients admitted to hospital
The number of parasites on 25 catfish caught in a
lake.
Sample 25 catfish
The final scores of each football game played on
Friday night.
Population All scores
Examples
Identify the population, sample, and data.

The Department of Energy conducts weekly

surveys of 800 gas stations in the U.S. to
determine the average price per gallon. On
May 8th, the average price was $2.35 per gallon.
Population?

Sample?

Data?
Examples
Identify the population, sample, and data.

The Department of Energy conducts weekly

surveys of 800 gas stations in the U.S. to
determine the average price per gallon. On
May 8th, the average price was $2.35 per gallon.
Population: All gas stations in the U.S.

Sample: 800 gas stations in the U.S.

Data: 800 gas prices

Examples
Identify the population, sample, and data.

A survey of 1,000 households in the U.S. found

that 75% have at least one cell phone.

Population?

Sample?

Data?
Examples
Identify the population, sample, and data.

A survey of 1,000 households in the U.S. found

that 75% have at least one cell phone.

Population: All households in the U.S.

Sample: 1,000 households in the U.S.

Data: 1,000 responses

Parameter
Parameter - A numerical description of a
population characteristic. A parameter deals
with all of the data.
Statistic
Statistic - A numerical description of a sample
characteristic. A statistic deals with surveys
or portions of the population. Sample
statistics can differ from sample to sample
due to the differences in data.
Examples
Determine whether the following is a
parameter or statistic

In a recent survey of 250 doctors, 70% said

they enjoy their profession.

The average salary for 70 of a companys 100

employees is $45,000.

The average English ACT score for all students

was 21.2.
Examples
Determine whether the following is a parameter or
statistic

In a recent survey of 250 doctors, 70% said they

enjoy their profession.
Statistic Sample of 250 doctors
The average salary for 70 of a companys 100
employees is $45,000.
Statistic Sample of 70 employees
The average English ACT score for all students was
21.2.
Parameter ALL students
Homework
Research and identify an article of interest in
current media containing at least one statistic,
and identify the following within that statistic:
Data
Population

Sample

Have article ready for class on Tuesday by either:

E-mail a link for the statistic, including the Data,
Population, and Sample stated in the e-mail body
Bring a paper copy of the statistic to class, and include

the Data, Population, and Sample

Intro to Statistics
Brian Kever
Michael McKenzie
UALR UTeach
Types of Data Collection

Types of Research
Data Collection and Experimental
Design
The goal of every statistical study is to collect
data and then use the data to make a
decision. A good process is critical to collect
quality data and to make a wise decision. A
flawed process yields questionable results and
possibly wrong decisions.
Designing a Statistical
Study
1. Identify the variables of interest and
population to study.
2. Develop a detailed plan for collecting the
data.
3. Collect the data.
4. Describe the data using charts, graphs, or
another descriptive statistical technique.
5. Interpret the data and make decisions about
the population using inferential statistics.
6. Identify any possible errors.
Types of Data Collection
Observational study The researcher only
observes and measures the characteristics of
interest of part of the population. The
researcher does not change the existing
conditions of the situation

Example: In studying cat behavior,

researchers observe and record the
interactions of several tigers at the zoo.
Types of Data Collection
Experiment A treatment applied to part of a
population. Experiments are often performed
in the fields of science. Experiments have a
control group and experimental group.

Example: In medicine, the control group is

given a placebo, a harmless, nonmedicated
treatment like a sugar pill, and the
experimental group is given the real
treatment, the actual drug being tested.
Types of Data Collection
Surveys Samples are most commonly used in
surveys. Surveys can be done by interviews,
mail, or telephone. They typically ask
questions, and the results are recorded. The
survey questions must be worded carefully to
avoid any biases.

Example: Family Feud, the popular TV

show.
Types of Data Collection
Simulation A mathematical or physical model to
produce conditions of a situation or process.
Simulations often involve using computers and are
usually cheap and a time saver compared to other
methods. Simulations are often used in situations
that are impractical or even dangerous to create in
real life.

Example: Scientists can simulate the earths

atmosphere by predicting the weather or modeling
global conditions through computer simulations.
Examples
Determine the best method of data collection
to collect data for the study:

A study of the effect of a patients heart rate with a

new medicine.

A study of how water runoff from heavy rain effects

flooding in an area.
Examples
Determine the best method of data collection
to collect data for the study:

A study of the effect of a patients heart rate with a

new medicine.
Experiment

A study of how water runoff from heavy rain effects

flooding in an area.
Simulation
Examples
Determine the best method of data collection
to collect data for the study:

Researchers study how watching a violent television

show affects a childs behavior afterwards.

A study of the starting salaries of doctors in the

United States.
Examples
Determine the best method of data collection
to collect data for the study:

Researchers study how watching a violent television

show affects a childs behavior afterwards.
Observation

A study of the starting salaries of doctors in the

United States.
Survey
Sampling Techniques

Sampling: Simple Rand

om, Convenience, Syste
matic, Cluster, and St
ratified
Census
Census A count or measure of the entire
population. Many times a census is
expensive, difficult, or impossible.
Sampling
Sampling A count or measurement of part of
the population. A sample can be used to
predict aspects of a population.
Sampling Techniques
Simple Random Sample A type of sampling
where every possible sample has the same
chance of being selected. This is commonly
done by assigning a number to each member
of the population and randomly selecting a
number.
Sampling Techniques
Convenience Sample Consists of only
available people.

Can lead to biased results

Not recommended
Sampling Techniques
Stratified Sample Contains member from
each segment of the population.

Population is divided into subsets called strata,

which share similar characteristics.
Then a Random Sample is selected from each
strata.
This ensures each segment of the population is
selected.
Sampling Techniques
Cluster Sample The population falls into
naturally occurring subgroups having similar
characteristics.

Divide the population into groups called

clusters.
Select all of the members in one or more
cluster, but not all clusters.
Select cluster(s) that are/is representative of
the entire population.
Sampling Technique
Systematic Sample Each member of the
population is assigned a number and are
selected at intervals.

The member are ordered.

A random stating number is selected.
Members are sampled at regular intervals like every
2nd, 3rd, or 4th number.
Do not use with patterned data.
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Every other bag of luggage going down a

conveyer belt is checked for explosive devices
before being loaded on an airplane.

Questioning shoppers as they leave a store, a

researcher asks 178 people what brand of
shampoo they prefer.
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Every other bag of luggage going down a

conveyer belt is checked for explosive devices
before being loaded on an airplane.
Systematic Sample
Questioning shoppers as they leave a store, a
researcher asks 178 people what brand of
shampoo they prefer.
Convenience Sample
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Chosen at random. 150 customers who

purchased a new car from a dealership over the
past year are called to see if they are satisfied
with the service they received from the
dealership.

Each nurse at a small rural hospital is required

to answer five questions regarding their views of
patient care.
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Chosen at random. 150 customers who

purchased a new car from a dealership over the
past year are called to see if they are satisfied
with the service they received from the
dealership.
Simple Random Sample
Each nurse at a small rural hospital is required
to answer five questions regarding their views of
patient care.
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Researchers wish to know more about Arkansas

voter habits. The researchers randomly select
10 counties in Arkansas, and conduct a census
on all registered voters within those counties.
Examples
Identify the sampling technique used in each
situation.

Researchers wish to know more about Arkansas

voter habits. The researchers randomly select
10 counties in Arkansas, and conduct a census
on all registered voters within those counties.
Cluster Sample
Intro to Statistics
Brian Kever
Michael McKenzie
UALR UTeach
Selection Bias

Selection Bias: A Rea

l World Example
Assignment
Work with a partner, and find an article of interest in
current media containing at least one statistic
considered to be reliable, and identify the following
within that statistic:
Data
Population

Sample

Quantitative or Categorical

Descriptive or Inferential

Type of Data collection (survey, observation, experiment, etc.)

Sampling Technique

Have article ready for class on Friday

Bring a paper copy of the statistic to class