Chapter 1: Stats Starts Here Introduction

What is the difference between Statistics and statistics?  Statistics (singular) is a way of reasoning along with a collection of tools to and methods, designed to help us understand the world  Statistics (plural) are particular calculations made from data

What is/are data?  Data is the plural form and the singular is datum.  Data are values along with their context.

What is statistics really all about?  Statistics is about variation.  Data vary because we don’t see everything and because even what we do see and measure, we measure imperfectly.  Statistics help us to make sense of the imperfect picture of the world.

What are some examples of data collection?  When a person or group collects information, that info becomes data.

What are the three steps to doing Statistics right?  Think first: know where you’re headed and why.  Show : is about the mechanics of calculating statistics and graphical displays which are important  Tell : what you have learned. Explain results so that someone else can understand your conclusions