GGR276H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Statistical Population, Statistical Inference, Descriptive Statistics
GGR276
Ch1.1
The term statistics is generally defined as the collection, classification, presentation,
and analysis of numerical data.
A hypothesis is an unproven or unsubstantiated general statement concerning the
problem under investigation.
In these cases, one or more descriptive statements can be formulated.
The information gathered allows us to draw conclusions about some research
questions, develop a model of the spatial situation, or possibly proceed further and
generate inferential hypotheses about a population based on the collection of
sample data.
Often, hypotheses are formulated using a model, which is a simplified replication of
the real world.
If a hypothesis is repeatedly verified as correct under a variety of circumstances
(perhaps at various locations or times) it may gradually take on the stature of a law.
If various laws are combined, they constitute a theory.
Descriptive statistics provide a concise numerical or quantitative summary of the
characteristics of a variable or data set.
The purpose of inferential statistics is to create and test hypotheses about a
statistical population based on information obtained from a sample of that
population.
In the context of inferential statistics, a statistical population is the total set of
information or data under investigation in a geographic study.
A sample is a clearly identified subset of the observations in a statistical population.
The most basic element in statistics is data or numerical information.
We often use groups of data, referred to as a data set and presented in tabular
format.
The elements or phenomena under study for which information (data) are obtained
or assigned are often referred to as observations.
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Document Summary
The term statistics is generally defined as the collection, classification, presentation, and analysis of numerical data. A hypothesis is an unproven or unsubstantiated general statement concerning the problem under investigation. In these cases, one or more descriptive statements can be formulated. The information gathered allows us to draw conclusions about some research questions, develop a model of the spatial situation, or possibly proceed further and generate inferential hypotheses about a population based on the collection of sample data. Often, hypotheses are formulated using a model, which is a simplified replication of the real world. If a hypothesis is repeatedly verified as correct under a variety of circumstances (perhaps at various locations or times) it may gradually take on the stature of a law. If various laws are combined, they constitute a theory. Descriptive statistics provide a concise numerical or quantitative summary of the characteristics of a variable or data set.
