Statistics are all around us, whether we notice them being used or not. From public policy, health, economics, science, and culture to which foods a fast-food restaurant is going to serve next can all be influenced by statistics. In this Discussion, you will apply the definitions of terminology learned this week. Every area of study has its own vocabulary and statistics is no exception. So, it may take some extra effort to master it.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the following resources:

Discussion Resources (click to expand/reduce) 

Discussion Videos

Discrete or Continuous? (5m)

Qualitative or Quantitative (3m)

Variables (5m)

Discussion Document

Types of Variables (PDF)

• Think of a problem from your degree major that interests you. You will use this problem throughout the entire course, so choose carefully. There is an Application Index starting on page XIX of the textbook that might prove to be helpful. You might also look at the datasets in Statdisk for ideas, but don’t use any of them.
• Create a scenario for your problem and gather or make up data to include one qualitative and two quantitative variables relating to your scenario and 15 data values. Be sure to include the units of measurement for the variables. 
• Review the rubric that will be used for grading, linked in the Submission and Grading area below.

Example: I am a nurse interested in the relationship between gender, weight, and systolic blood pressure. My data is as follows: (click to expand/reduce) 

GenderWeight (lb.)Systolic Pressure (mm Hg)M150144F110100M225140M250113M275128F12598F15094M235138F176128M267116M145132F13688M285126F178130F11

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 1

By the end of Day 1, you can post your scenario and data for your Instructor to review.  If you do not submit this by the end of Day 1, you will need to proceed to submit the entire Discussion on Day 3.

By Day 3

Post a 2- to 3-paragraph response that includes the following information:

• Describe your scenario and the variables that you are using.  
• Post your dataset in your Discussion.
• Fill in the following table for your variables and explain why you made the choices you did. 

VariableQualitative/QuantitativeContinuous/DiscreteLevel of Measurement            

• After you have completed the scenario with the dataset and table with the information on your variables, discuss any problems you have had this week in learning the terminology and vocabulary. Also, include what you did to overcome this problem.

Hint: You might consider using index cards and putting the vocabulary word on one side and the definition on the other. Then, review these every night before bed until the vocabulary becomes second nature to you.