Assignment: 01-Samples and Surveys
This unit begins our unit on statistics. Much like the word algebra, the word statistics alone can make things seem word than they are, so we begin simply by defining what the word statistics means:
Statistic - a science that deals with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts or data
So, what does that mean? We’re going to be dealing with different ways to look at an interpret data. To do this, throughout the unit we’ll learn about various different types of graphs and such.
Before we get into any graphs, we want to start by learning the basics. When you take a collection of data, you take it from what is known as a population. the population is simply who or what is surveyed for the statistic given. Are we asking the boys in the school? Are we asking female drivers? Are we looking at the color of cars that are sold? All of these could be different populations.
Next we need to understand the difference between the entire population and a sample population. The entire population would include every single person or thing within a given range. So, if we give a statistic such as 81.4% of all Utahans have lived in the same house for more than a year, to have sampled the entire population, we would have to have surveyed every single Utahan. Most statistics given are based on a sample population, which is only a part of the population studied for a given statistic.
Here are some more examples of surveys given to entire populations. As you read the statistics, think about the population, and how possible it is to have surveyed the entire group to get the statistic.
48% of the students in our class are boys
11% of the teachers at SAA are male
Here are a couple of examples of statistics given only to a sample part of the population. As you read the statistics, think about how near impossible it would to talk to every single person within the population.
Humans live an average of 67 years.
24% of M&Ms are blue.