Chapter Outline

• An Overview of Statistics

• Data Classification

• Data Collection and Experimental Design

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• A definition of statistics
• How to distinguish between a population and a
sample and between a parameter and a statistic
• How to distinguish between descriptive statistics and
inferential statistics

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 What is Data?
Data
Consist of information coming from observations,
counts, measurements, or responses.
• According to a survey, more than 7 in 10 Americans
say a nursing career is a prestigious occupation.
(Source: The Harris Poll)
• “Social media consumes kids today as well, as more
score their first social media accounts at an average
age of 11.4 years old.” (Source: Influence Central’s
2016 Digital Trends Study)
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 What is Statistics?
Statistics
The science of collecting,
organizing, analyzing, and
interpreting data in order to
make decisions.

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 Data Sets

Population
The collection of all outcomes,
responses, measurements, or
counts that are of interest.

Sample
A subset, or part, of the population.

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 Example: Identifying Data
Sets
In a recent survey, 834 employees in the United States
were asked if they thought there jobs were highly
stressful. Of the 834 respondents, 517 said yes. Identify
the population and the sample. Describe the sample data
set. (Source: CareerCast Job Stress Report)

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 Solution: Identifying Data
Sets
• The population consists of the responses of all
employees in the U.S.
• The sample consists of the responses of the 834
employees in the survey.
• The sample is a subset of
the responses of all
employees in the U.S.
• The data set consists of
517 yes’s and 317 no’s.

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 Parameter and Statistic
Parameter
A numerical description of a population
characteristic.
Average age of all people in the
United States
Statistic
A numerical description of a sample
characteristic.
Average age of people from a sample
of three states
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 Example: Distinguish Parameter and Statistic
Decide whether each number describes a population
parameter or a sample statistic.
1. A survey of several hundred collegiate student-
athletes in the United States found that, during the
season of their sport, the average time spent on
athletics by student-athletes is 50 hours per week.
(Source: Penn Schoen Berland)
Solution:
1. Because the average of 50 hours per week is
based on a subset of the population, it is a
sample statistic.
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 Example: Distinguish Parameter and Statistic
Decide whether the numerical value describes a
population parameter or a sample statistic.

2. The freshman class at a university has an average

SAT math score of 514.

Solution:
2. Because the average SAT math score of 514 is
based on the entire freshman class, it is a
population parameter.

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 Example: Distinguish Parameter and Statistic
Decide whether the numerical value describes a
population parameter or a sample statistic.

3. In a random check of several hundred retail stores,

the Food and Drug Administration found that 34%
of the stores were not storing fish at the proper
temperature.
Solution:
3. Because 34% is based on a subset of the population,
it is a sample statistic.

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 Branches of Statistics
Descriptive Statistics Inferential Statistics
Involves organizing, Involves using sample
summarizing, and data to draw
displaying data. conclusions about a
population.
e.g. Tables, charts,
averages

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 Example: Descriptive and
Inferential Statistics
For each study, identify the population and the sample.
Then determine which part of the study represents the
descriptive branch of statistics. What conclusions might
be drawn from the study using inferential statistics?
1. A study of 2560 U.S. adults
found that of adults not using
the Internet, 23% are from
households earning less than
$30,000 annually, as shown in the
figure. (Source: Pew Research
Center)
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 Solution: Descriptive and
Inferential Statistics
Solution:
1. The population consists of the responses of all U.S.
adults, and the sample consists of the responses of
the 2560 U.S. adults in the study. The descriptive
branch of statistics involves the statement “23% [of
U.S. adults not using the Internet]
are from households earning less
than $30,000 annually.” A possible
inference drawn from the study
is that lower-income households
cannot afford access to the Internet.
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 Example: Descriptive and
Inferential Statistics
For each study, identify the population and the sample.
Then determine which part of the study represents the
descriptive branch of statistics. What conclusions might
be drawn from the study using inferential statistics?
2. A study of 300 Wall Street analysts found that the
percentage who incorrectly forecasted high-tech
earnings in a recent year was 44%. (Adapted from
Bloomberg News)

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 Solution: Descriptive and
Inferential Statistics
Solution:
2. The population consists of the high-tech earnings
forecasts of all Wall Street analysts, and the sample
consists of the forecasts of the 300 Wall Street
analysts in the study. The part of this study that
represents the descriptive branch of statistics
involves the statement “the percentage [of Wall
Street analysts] who incorrectly forecasted high-tech
earnings in a recent year was 44%.” A possible
inference drawn from the study is that the stock
market is difficult to forecast, even for professionals.
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