Glossary
Baselines
Reference points or initial measurements used for comparison to track changes or progress over time.
Example:
Before starting the fitness program, participants' initial weight and body fat percentage were recorded to establish baselines for tracking improvement.
Causal Relationship
A direct cause-and-effect link where one event or factor is shown to be the direct reason for another.
Example:
The study demonstrated a causal relationship between increased screen time and decreased attention spans in young children.
Comparisons and Contrasts
The act of showing similarities and differences between two or more things, frequently supported by quantitative data.
Example:
Using a bar graph to show that 'City A's average commute time is 45 minutes, while 'City B's is only 20 minutes' allows for clear comparisons and contrasts.
Context (of data)
The background information or circumstances surrounding quantitative data, essential for proper interpretation.
Example:
Understanding that a '5% increase in sales' occurred during a global recession provides crucial context for evaluating the company's performance.
Correlational Relationship
A connection or association between two or more variables, where they tend to change together, but one does not necessarily cause the other.
Example:
There's a strong correlational relationship between ice cream sales and drowning incidents; both increase in summer, but one doesn't cause the other.
Direct Relevance
The principle that evidence must directly pertain to and support the specific claim or argument being made.
Example:
When arguing for stricter recycling laws, data on local landfill capacity has direct relevance, unlike statistics on global warming.
Illustrative Relationship
A relationship where evidence provides specific examples or instances to clarify or support a general claim.
Example:
The author used several historical events as an illustrative relationship to demonstrate the recurring patterns of political unrest.
Predictions
Forecasts or estimations about future events or trends, often based on analysis of past quantitative data.
Example:
Based on current enrollment trends, the university made a prediction that student housing demand would increase by 10% next year.
Qualifies Evidence
To acknowledge limitations, uncertainties, or specific conditions related to the presented data, adding nuance to an argument.
Example:
The researcher had to qualify the evidence by noting that the study's findings were only applicable to a specific age group, not the general population.
Quantitative Data
Numerical information, statistics, measurements, and mathematical concepts used to support claims and arguments.
Example:
A study showing that 75% of students improved their scores after using a new study app provides strong quantitative data.
Refute
To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false, often by presenting concrete quantitative facts.
Example:
The scientist used new experimental data to refute the long-held hypothesis about the planet's atmospheric composition.
Reliability (of data)
The consistency of data, meaning it would produce similar results if the measurement or experiment were repeated under the same conditions.
Example:
A survey that yields consistent results when administered multiple times to the same group of people demonstrates high reliability.
Representativeness (of data)
The extent to which data reflects the characteristics of the broader population or situation it intends to describe.
Example:
A poll conducted only among tech company employees would lack representativeness if it aimed to gauge the opinions of the entire national workforce.
Reputable Source
A credible and trustworthy origin for information, such as peer-reviewed journals, academic institutions, or government agencies.
Example:
For medical information, a study published in a reputable source like 'The New England Journal of Medicine' is highly valued.
Scope (of an issue)
The extent or magnitude of an issue, often demonstrated using quantitative data.
Example:
The statistic that 'over 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water' highlights the vast scope of the global water crisis.
Validity (of data)
The accuracy of data, meaning it measures what it claims to measure.
Example:
A test designed to measure mathematical ability has high validity if it accurately assesses math skills rather than just reading comprehension.