SOC202H1 Chapter Notes -Guesstimate, Systematic Sampling, Rank
Document Summary
Ch2 organizing data to minimize statistical error. Accuracy of scientific ideas tested by empirical predictions. Errors known degrees of imprecision: error reduction relies on understanding predictive relationships among variables, statistical error know degrees of imprecision in the procedures used to gather and process information. Statistical analysis involves sampling: sampling error inaccuracy in prediction about a population that results from the fact that we do not observe every subject in the population. Observation a measurement of a single person. Summary calculation summing up a group of measurements, based on a set of observations: research interests usually w/ summary statements of the group. Usually small # subjects to draw conclusions on larger pop. A population a large group of people (or objects) of particular interest that we desire to study and understand. A sample a small group of the population; the sample is observed and measured and then used to draw conclusions on the population.
