In class we learned about statistics. Traditional statistics are methods of analysing data using averages and standard deviation. These are used to describe and test variables numerically. By using statistics, data can be compared and put into a table where value can be extracted. The two types of statistics used:
Descriptive
These are used to summarise data. It uses measures of central tendency to find 'typical' expected results and averages. It uses the mean, which is calculated by adding up the total value of all the variables and then dividing by the total number of variables. Median is also used which is calculated by sorting the variables into ascending or descending order. The number in the middle of the sample is then chosen as the average. If there are is an even sample, the two middle numbers are added then divided by 2. The mode can also be used, where the number with the most instances in the sample is chosen as the average. All measures of central tendency have their uses and may yield different results, but gives data analysts insight into the contents of their data.
Measures of variability are another type of descriptive statistic. This includes the range, where the smallest value is subtracted from the largest value when placed in ascending order. Standard deviation is another measure of variability, where vast differences in numerical value can be measured, or how values 'deviate' on average from one another. Measures of variability focuses on how data differs from each other.
Inferential
Inferential statistics use probability to calculate the reliability of results and decide how much room there is for randomness to occur. The P value is used to make assumptions of wider samples, to predict how likely it is for a random values to appear. If the P value is less than 0.05 results are likely to be more accurate and reliable. Having a P value of 0.05 translates to a 5% chance that the outcome is a product of pure chance. Confidence intervals are used to estimate and predict future events. For example, the P value of me passing this course is 0.01. How cool is that?
References:
https://ilearn.fife.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9751#section-6
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