All Flashcards
Compare the mean and the median.
Mean is the average, sensitive to outliers. Median is the middle value, resistant to outliers.
Compare standard deviation and range.
Standard deviation measures the average spread around the mean; range measures the difference between the highest and lowest values.
Compare positive and negative correlation.
Positive correlation: variables increase together. Negative correlation: as one variable increases, the other decreases.
Explain the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics.
Descriptive statistics describe data, while inferential statistics interpret data to make broader conclusions.
What does a positive correlation indicate?
As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.
What does a negative correlation indicate?
As one variable increases, the other variable decreases.
Explain the importance of understanding correlation vs. causation.
Correlation does not equal causation. Just because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other. Experiments are needed to prove causation.
Describe a normal distribution.
A bell-shaped and symmetrical distribution where most data clusters around the mean.
Describe a positively skewed distribution.
A distribution with a tail extending to the right, where the mean is greater than the median.
Describe a negatively skewed distribution.
A distribution with a tail extending to the left, where the median is greater than the mean.
What does a low standard deviation indicate?
Data points are clustered close to the mean.
What does a high standard deviation indicate?
Data points are more spread out from the mean.
What is the 68% rule in a normal distribution?
68% of the data falls within one standard deviation of the mean.
What is the 95% rule in a normal distribution?
95% of the data falls within two standard deviations of the mean.
What is the effect of outliers on the mean?
Outliers can significantly skew the mean, making it a less representative measure of central tendency.
What is the effect of a strong positive correlation?
As one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well.
What is the effect of a strong negative correlation?
As one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.
What is the effect of a large standard deviation?
The data points are more spread out from the mean, indicating greater variability.
What is the effect of a small standard deviation?
The data points are clustered closely around the mean, indicating less variability.
What is the effect of statistical significance in research?
Increases confidence that the results are not due to chance and can be generalized to the population.