Question

1. Post an example of Inferential Statistics.
2. Give an example of a Discrete Variable and an example of a Continuous Variable. Do not use examples posted by other students.

Answer 1

1.  inferential statistics.

This is a set of methods used to make a generalization, estimate, prediction or decision.

Ex. Of 350 randomly selected people in the town of Luserna, Italy, 280 people had the last name Nicolussi. An example of inferential statistics is the following statement :

"80% of all people living in Italy have the last name Nicolussi."

We have no information about all people living in Italy, just about the 350 living in Luserna. We have taken that information and generalized it to talk about all people living in Italy. The easiest way to tell that this statement is not descriptive is by trying to verify it based upon the information provided.

2.

A discrete variable is a variable whose value is obtained by counting.

Examples: number of red marbles in a jar

                                    number of heads when flipping three coins

A continuous variable is a variable whose value is obtained by measuring.

Examples:   weight of students in class

                        time it takes to get to school