Explain the concept of 'Random Sampling'.
A method of selecting a sample from a population where each member has an equal chance of being chosen. Reduces bias and is essential for creating a representative sample.
Explain the concept of 'Observational Study'.
A study where researchers observe and measure characteristics of a sample without intervening or manipulating any variables.
Explain the concept of an 'Experiment'.
A study where researchers impose a treatment or manipulate variables to observe the effect on a response variable.
Explain the importance of a 'Representative Sample'.
A representative sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population, allowing for valid inferences about the population.
Explain why 'Correlation does not equal Causation'.
Just because two variables are related doesn't mean one causes the other. There may be confounding variables or other explanations.
Explain the concept of 'Sample Surveys'.
A type of observational study that collects data from a sample to learn about a population.
What are the differences between 'Observational Study' and 'Experiment'?
Observational Study: Observe and measure, no interference. | Experiment: Impose a treatment and observe the effect.
What are the differences between 'Retrospective' and 'Prospective' observational studies?
Retrospective: Looking at past data. | Prospective: Following individuals into the future.
What are the differences between a 'Population' and a 'Sample'?
Population: The entire group of interest. | Sample: A subset of the population used for study.
What are the differences between 'Random Sampling' and 'Non-Random Sampling'?
Random Sampling: Each member has an equal chance of being selected, reduces bias. | Non-Random Sampling: Some members are more likely to be selected than others, increases bias.
What are the differences between 'Correlation' and 'Causation'?
Correlation: Two variables are related. | Causation: One variable causes a change in another.
What is the definition of 'Population'?
The entire group you're interested in studying.
What is the definition of 'Sample'?
A smaller group selected from the population used to make inferences.
What is the definition of 'Census'?
Collecting data from every individual in the population.
What is the definition of 'Confounding'?
Occurs when the effects of two variables on the response variable cannot be distinguished.
What is 'Bias' in statistics?
Anything that systematically skews your results, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
Define 'Generalizability' in the context of a study.
The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the broader population.
