PROBLEM SET 1

STAT 3 – Biostatistics

I. TRUE OR FALSE: Write true if the statement is correct, otherwise, write false. (2 pts. each)
1. The word statistics is derived from the Latin word status meaning “state”.
2. Inferential statistics deals with the methods of organizing, summarizing and presenting a mass of data so as
to yield meaningful information.
3. Qualitative variable consists of numbers representing counts or measurements.
4. Sample is a part of the population or a sub-collection of elements drawn from a population.
5. Nominal and ordinal levels of measurement are qualitative.
6. An open question allows a free response.
7. Primary data are information collected from published or unpublished sources like books, newspapers, and
thesis.
8. In a simple random sample of a given size, all such subsets of the frame are given an equal probability.
9. Nonprobability sampling is any sampling method where every element of the population has a chance of
selection.
10. The table heading includes the table number and the title of the table.
11. A bar graph shows a discrete variable.
12. The variable in a pictograph can either be discrete or continuous.
13. The number of students in a certain university is a continuous variable.
14. Parameter is a numerical measurement describing some characteristic of a sample.
15. Statistic is the theory and method of collecting, organizing, presenting, analyzing and interpreting data.

II. ANALYSIS: Analyze each of the following and respond to questions correctly. (3 pts. each)
1. A basketball player wants to estimate his chance of winning the most valuable player (MVP) award based on
his current season averages and the averages of his opponents. Determine whether he could use the area of
descriptive statistics or inferential statistics.
2. A survey by a group of students entitled “Dress Code” will be conducted to first year students to determine
the fashion preferences of these students. Identify the population, variable of interest and type of variable.
3. Given a variable, “attitude toward Mathematics”, can you think of ways to measure it at the ratio level? If
not, why not, and what is the highest level at which it can be measured? If yes, how?
4. Jerry wants to gather information for his research. Suggest at least five resources of secondary data where
he can collect useful information.
5. Assume that you are hired by a company to collect data on the waist sizes of college students. Why is it
better to obtain direct measurements than to ask people the sizes of their waists?
6. Which of the following questions is best to ask about someone’s health? Why?
A. Are you a weakling?
B. Are you bursting over with health?
C. Can you be an advertisement for a health club?
D. Are you in good health?
7. What are the differences of direct from indirect method of data collection? Write at least two sentences.
8. Explain the two types of nonprobability sampling. Write not more than five sentences.
9. Explain the functions of a bar graph, a line chart and a scatter point diagram.
10. Give at least three examples of the uses of statistics in a school/college/university.

Great souls have will. Feeble ones have only wishes.