Chapter 1:

Introduction to Statistics

1.1 Definitions of Statistics

Data
Analysis

Collecting Data
e.g. Survey

Presenting Data
e.g., Charts & Tables

Characterizing Data
e.g., Average

Decision-Making

Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis,

interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data. It also provides tools for
prediction and forecasting based on data. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic
disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities, government and
business.

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 Why do we have to study statistics?

 To read and understand various statistical studies in related field.

 To communicate and explain the results of study in related field using our own
words.

 To become better consumers and citizens.

1.2 Statistical Methods

Statistical
Methods

Descriptive Inferential
Statistics Statistics

Descriptive statistics is a branch Inferential statistics or statistical

of statistics that consists of induction is a branch of statistics that
methods for organizing, displaying, consists of methods that use sample
and describing data using tables, result to help make decision or
graphs and summary measures. prediction about a population.

Example 1:
Which of the following is descriptive/inferential statistics?
a) Of the 800 Selangor kindergarten teachers polled, 32% say that “knowing the
alphabet” is an essential skill.
b) Of all Selangor kindergarten teachers, 32% say that “knowing the alphabet” is
an essential skill.

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1.3 Fundamental Concepts

 A population is a data set that is a collection of all individuals of our interest.

“individuals” are usually people but could also be schools, cities, pet dogs,
agriculture fields, etc.

 A sample is a subset of data selected from a population.

 Parameter is a summary measure (e.g., mean) that is computed to describe a

characteristic of the population.

 Statistic is a summary measure (e.g., mean) that is computed to describe a

characteristic of the sample.

 A census is the process of obtaining information about every member of a

population (not necessarily a human population). It can be contrasted with
sampling in which information is only obtained from a subset of a population.
As such it is a method used for accumulating statistical data, and it is also vital
to democracy (voting).

P in Population
& Parameter
S in Sample
& Statistic

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1.4 Variables and Data Sets

 A variable is any characteristics that can be measured on each individual unit

in a statistical study.

e.g.: a student’s age at entrance into college, the colour of student’s hair, etc.

 Data is the value of variable associated with one element of a population or

sample. This value may be a number, a word, or a symbol.

e.g.: Farah entered college at age “23”, her hair is “brown”, etc.

 The complete collection of values (called observations) associated with the

variables in the study is called a data set.

e.g. the set of 25 heights collected from 25 students.

Example 2:
A statistics student is interested in finding out something about the average
ringgit value of cars owned by the faculty members of our university. Describe
each of the seven terms to be identified in this situation.

a) population

b) sample

c) variable

d) data value

e) data

f) parameter

g) statistic

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  Variables can be classified into two categories:

a) A numerical (quantitative) variable is a variable whose values are

number obtained from count or measurement. Numerical variables are
either discrete or continuous.

Discrete Variables Continuous Variables

 A quantitative variable that can  A quantitative variable that can

assume a countable number of assume an uncountable number
values. of values.

 Can assume any values  Can assume any value along a

corresponding to isolated line interval, including every
points along a line interval. possible value between any two
That is, there is a gap between values.
any two values.
 e.g.: Weight of books you are
 e.g.: Number of courses for carrying as you attend class
which you are currently today.
registered.

b) A categorical (qualitative) variable is a variable whose values are that

cannot be measured on a natural numerical scale; they can only be
classified into one of a group of categories.

e.g.: A sample of four hair-salon customers was surveyed for their

“hair colour”, “hometown” and “level of satisfaction”.

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