Contents

Part 1: The Basics

1 Let’s Get Started

What Is Statistics and Why Do You Need It?

Types of Statistics

Descriptive Statistics—the Minor League

Inferential Statistics—the Major League

Population vs. Sample

Parameter vs. Statistic

Ethics and Statistics—It’s a Dangerous World Out There

Practice Problems

2 Data, Data Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink

The Importance of Data

The Sources of Data—Where Does All This Stuff Come From?

Direct Observation—I’ll Be Watching You

Experiments—Who’s in Control?

Surveys—Is That Your Final Answer?

Data and Types of Variables

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Variables

Discrete vs. Continuous Variables

Dependent vs. Independent Variables

Types of Measurement Scales—a Weighty Topic

Nominal Level of Measurement ...

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