Chapter 2: Tools of Environmental Science Section 2 – Statistics and Models
Statistics Statistics – the collections and classification of data that are in the form of numbers EX: batting averages
How do scientists use statistics? Scientists use statistics to compare, summarize, characterize, and analyze data
How do scientists use statistics? Statistical population = group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about
How do scientists use statistics? Mean = the average – the number obtained by adding up the data for a given characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals What is the Mean of these numbers? 6, 11, 7 Add the numbers: 6 + 11 + 7 = 24 Divide by how many numbers (there are 3 numbers): 24 / 3 = 8 The Mean is 8
How do scientists use statistics? Distribution = the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population
How do scientists use statistics? Probability = the chance that something will happen EX: weather
Models Physical model = 3-dimensional models you can touch Graphical models = maps and graphs Conceptual models = verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized EX: flow chart Mathematical model = one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works