Sampling and Data: Introduction 1.2 2008/03/26 13:16:14 GMT-5 2008/04/29 14:27:56.231 GMT-5 Barbara Illowsky cnx@cnx.org Susan Dean cnx@cnx.org Jonathan Emmons jemmons.public@gmail.com Uchenna Kevin Anyikam projects@southwoodmm.com Connexions cnx@cnx.org Data Introduction Sampling Statistics This module provides a brief introduction to the field of statistics, including examples of how these topics shows up in a variety of real-life examples. Note: This module is currently under revision, and its content is subject to change. This module is being prepared as part of a statistics textbook that will be available for the Fall 2008 semester. You are probably asking yourself the question, "When and where will I use statistics?". If you read any newspaper or watch television, or use the Internet, you will see statistical information. There are statistics about crime, sports, education, politics, and real estate. Typically, when you read a newspaper article or watch a news program on television, you are given sample information. With this information, you may make a decision about the correctness of a statement, claim, or "fact." Statistical methods can help you make the "best educated guess." Since you will undoubtedly be given statistical information at some point in your life, you need to know some techniques to analyze the information thoughtfully. Think about buying a house or managing a budget. Think about your chosen profession. The fields of economics, business, psychology, education, biology, law, computer science, police science, and early childhood development require at least one course in statistics.Included in this chapter are the basic ideas and words of probability and statistics. You will soon understand that statistics and probability work together. You will also learn how data are gathered and what "good" data are.