Study Notes
Data in statistics refers to information collected for analysis. It can be qualitative or quantitative, discrete or continuous, and primary or secondary.
- Qualitative Data — data that can only be written in words, not numbers.
Example: The colors of cars in a car park - Quantitative Data — data that can be written in numbers.
Example: The heights of children - Discrete Data — numerical data that cannot be shown in decimals.
Example: The number of children in a classroom - Continuous Data — numerical data that can be shown in decimals.
Example: The weights of 10 babies - Primary Data — data collected from the original source for a specific purpose.
Example: Surveying students about the school canteen service - Secondary Data — data not originally collected by a group for a specific purpose.
Example: Using national statistics to find the average cost of cars
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Qualitative Data: Data in words
- Quantitative Data: Data in numbers
- Discrete Data: Countable numerical data
- Continuous Data: Measurable numerical data
- Primary Data: Original data collected for a purpose
- Secondary Data: Data collected by others
Common Confusions
- Confusing qualitative data with quantitative data
- Mixing up discrete and continuous data
Typical Exam Questions
- What is qualitative data?
Data in words, not numbers - How do you differentiate between discrete and continuous data?
Discrete data is countable; continuous data is measurable - What is primary data?
Data collected from the original source for a specific purpose
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of different data types
- Ability to classify data as discrete or continuous
- Knowledge of primary vs secondary data