5.2 Characteristics of Data: The Data Itself

Characteristics of Data Data: –Any fact or information Population –Group of individuals that is the focus of the study –A thesis question must clearly identify the population: Who is the focus of the study?

Examples of Populations A study that considers attitudes of students at Jarvis about the lunch room. –Population: student body at Jarvis

Examples of Populations A polling company wants to forecast the results of an upcoming provincial election –Population: – eligible voters (Canadian citizens 18 years or older who reside in that province)

Characteristics of Data Sample –Selection of individuals taken from a population –Why? Not always practical to ask everyone (time, money) Inference –Conclusion about the population made from the sample

Examples of Samples A study that considers attitudes of students at Jarvis about the cafeteria. –Sample: –the first 10 people in the cafeteria –(might not be a good or representative sample)

Examples of Samples A polling company wants to forecast the results of an upcoming provincial election –Sample: –poll 10 people in each riding

Name that Data Type Identify the variables and their types, as well as the populations for the following thesis questions. Is there a relationship between weather conditions and absenteeism in Grade 9 at your school? –Population: –Variables: Grade 9 students at Jarvis –weather conditions (qualitative), absenteeism (quantitative)

Name that data type Do Grade 12 students who regularly eat breakfast perform better academically? –Population: –Variables: grade 12 students everywhere – number of times eating breakfast (quantitative discrete), – marks (quantitative continuous)