Statistics - : 

a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation,

and presentation of masses of numerical data
Probability - The chance that something will happen. How likely it is that some event will
occur.
Branches of Statistics
Descriptive statistics uses the data to provide descriptions of the population, either
through numerical calculations or graphs or tables.
Inferential statistics makes inferences and predictions about a population based on a
sample of data taken from the population in question.
Data - facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
Qualitative data can be observed and recorded. This data type is non-numerical in nature.
This type of data is collected through methods of observations, one-to-one interview,
conducting focus groups and similar methods.
Quantitative data is data expressing a certain quantity, amount or range. Usually, there are
measurement units associated with the data
Sources of Data
Primary data is data that is collected by a researcher from first-hand sources, using
methods like surveys, interviews, or experiments. It is collected with the research project
in mind, directly from primary sources.
Secondary data is data gathered from studies, surveys, or experiments that have been run
by other people or for other research.
A sampling technique is the name or other identification of the specific process by which
the entities of thesample have been selected
Probability sampling is a sampling technique, in which the subjects of the population get an
equal opportunity to be selected as a representative sample. 
Nonprobability sampling is a method ofsampling wherein, it is not known that which
individual from the population will be selected as a sample.

Types of Probability Sampling

 Simple random sampling is a completely random method of selecting subjects. These
can include assigning numbers to all subjects and then using a random number
generator to choose random numbers. Classic ball and urn experiments are another
example of this process (assuming the balls are sufficiently mixed). The members
whose numbers are chosen are included in the sample.
 Stratified Random Sampling involves splitting subjects into mutually exclusive groups
and then using simple random sampling to choose members from groups.
 Systematic Sampling means that you choose every “nth” participant from a complete
list. For example, you could choose every 10th person listed.
 Cluster Random Sampling is a way to randomly select participants from a list that is
too large for simple random sampling. For example, if you wanted to choose 1000
participants from the entire population of the U.S., it is likely impossible to get a
complete list of everyone. Instead, the researcher randomly selects areas (i.e. cities or
counties) and randomly selects from within those boundaries.
 Multi-Stage Random sampling uses a combination of techniques.

Types of Non-Probability Sampling

Purposive Sampling: where the researcher chooses a sample based on their knowledge
about the population and the study itself. The study participants are chosen based on the
study’s purpose. There are several types of purposive sampling.
 Quota Sampling: where the groups (i.e. men and women) in the sample are
proportional to the groups in the population.
Snowball Sampling: where research participants recruit other members for the study. This
method is particularly useful when participants might be hard to find.
Random Variable
A random variable, usually written X, is a variable whose possible values are numerical
outcomes of a random phenomenon. There are two types of random variables, discrete and
continuous.
A discrete random variable is one which may take on only a countable number of distinct
values such as 0,1,2,3,4,........ Discrete random variables are usually (but not necessarily)
counts. If a random variable can take only a finite number of distinct values, then it must be
discrete
A continuous random variable is one which takes an infinite number of possible values.
Continuous random variables are usually measurements. Examples include height, weight,
the amount of sugar in an orange, the time required to run a mile.