Statistics

Study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

Types of DataData Collection MethodsDescriptive Statistics
Probability and Probability DistributionsInferential StatisticsCorrelation and Regression
Statistics in SportsStatistics in MedicineStatistics in Business and Marketing
Reading and Interpreting GraphsAvoiding Common Statistical Mistakes
Types of DataData Collection Meth...Descriptive Statisti...Probability and Prob...Inferential Statisti...Correlation and Regr...Statistics in SportsStatistics in Medici...Statistics in Busine...Reading and Interpre...Avoiding Common Stat...
Basic Concepts

Data Collection Methods

Gathering Information

In statistics, collecting accurate and relevant data is crucial for getting useful results.

Popular Methods

  • Surveys: Asking people questions to gather information directly.
  • Experiments: Setting up controlled situations to observe outcomes.
  • Observational Studies: Watching and recording without interfering.
  • Existing Sources: Using data that has already been collected by others.

Sampling

It's not always possible to study everyone, so we use samples—smaller groups that represent the whole population.

Types of Sampling

  • Random Sampling: Everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.
  • Systematic Sampling: Selecting every nth person from a list.
  • Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into groups and sampling from each.

Why Good Collection Matters

If data collection is biased or flawed, results can be misleading. Careful sampling and method choice help ensure trustworthy conclusions.

Examples

  • A school survey to find out students' favorite lunch choices.

  • Recording temperatures every hour to observe weather patterns.

In a Nutshell

Careful data collection lays the foundation for sound statistical analysis.

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Descriptive Statistics