AP Stats Vocab

Statistics

A statistic is a numerical summary of a variable's distribution in a given sample.

Individuals/Subjects

The individuals in a study are the objects that possess the variable of interest. When the objects are human they are called subjects.

Census

A census is an attempt to generate the population distribution by measuring the variable on every individual in a given population.

Population of Interest

The population of interest is the collection of all individuals that possess the variable of interest.

Sample

A sample is a portion of the population chosen in such a way so as to accurately represent the population.

Categorical Variable

A categorical variable is a variable whose response falls into a category.

Question of Interest

The question of interest is the theme of the study. It should be clear concise and convertible to a variable of interest.

Quantitative Variable

A quantitative variable is a variable whose response is a measured quantity, numerical in nature, and upon which mathematics can be directly performed.

Parameter

A parameter is a numerical summary of a variable's distribution in a given population.

Variable of Interest

The variable of interest is the characteristic or trait being measured or observed, and possessed by every individual in the population of interest.

Population Distribution

The population distribution of the variable of interest is the distribution of the variable throughout a given population.