Quantitative Reasoning

Ms. Zunaira Khurrum

Statistics Department

(Only the main points are covered on the slides. Please

ensure the use of reference books also)
Statistics
What is Statistics?
• Statistics is viewed in various ways. It involves percentages, charts, graphs,
averages, and tables. Some see it as rules and methods for collecting data,
while others see it as drawing conclusions from samples about a population.
• The word "Statistics" originates from the Latin word ‘status’, meaning a political
state. Initially, it referred to information crucial for the state, such as data on
population sizes and armed forces.
• By definition,
“Statistics is defined as the science of collecting,
organising, presenting, analysing of numerical
data and its interpretation.”
Different meanings of Statistics

The term "statistics" can be understood in three distinct contexts:

1. Plural interpretation: Refers to systematically arranged numerical facts. (ages
of students are basically statistics of ages)
2. Singular interpretation: Denotes a discipline encompassing procedures and
methods utilized for the collection, processing, and analysis of numerical data
to draw inferences and facilitate decision-making.
3. Statistics as the plural of statistic: Constitutes numerical quantities derived
from sample observations; an individually calculated quantity is referred to as a
statistic. The sample mean X-bar and standard deviation (sd) are statistics
Importance of Statistics in Various Disciplines
1. Medicine: Statistics helps in understanding disease patterns, developing
treatments, and evaluating their effectiveness.
2. Business: Statistical analysis informs decision-making, risk management, and
marketing strategies.
3. Social Sciences: Statistics aids in understanding social phenomena, such as
crime rates, population growth, and economic trends.
4. Engineering: Statistical methods optimize system performance, quality control,
and reliability.
5. Environmental Science: Statistics helps in understanding climate patterns,
tracking changes, and informing conservation efforts.
6. Computer Science: Statistical techniques enable machine learning, data
mining, and artificial intelligence.
Course Introduction
Course Introduction

Course Goals:
1. Enhance and strengthen quantitative reasoning skills.
2. Introduce additional tools for data analysis & drawing inferences on sample-
based data.
3. Apply mathematical and statistical skills in real-world contexts.
4. Address global challenges using quantitative reasoning skills.
5. Apply quantitative reasoning in everyday situations.
6. Learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sources.
7. Use probability and statistical inference for better decision-making.
What is Quantitative Reasoning?

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) involves understanding and using numerical

information effectively, including analyzing and interpreting data presented as
figures and mathematical concepts.
It encompasses making sense of numbers, patterns and relationships to draw
conclusions, solve problems and make knowledgeable decisions which plays a vital
role in several academic disciplines, professional fields and daily life.
By definition,
“It is the process of critically evaluating and
making decisions based on numerical information
often involving mathematical concepts and methods”
Characteristics of Quantitative Reasoning

1. Comprehending quantitative data

2. Evaluating patterns and relationships
3. Problem-solving
4. Interpreting results
5. Critical thinking
6. Statistical literacy
7. Mathematical modeling
8. Decision making
9. Technology proficiency
10. Interdisciplinary application
Application of Quantitative Reasoning

1. Budgeting
2. Investment analysis
3. Health Statistics
4. Epidemiology
5. Business and economics
6. Market research
7. Cost-benefit analysis
8. Education
9. Survey analysis
10. Climate change modelling
Basic Data Literacy
Introduction
• Data are facts and figures collected, analyzed and summarized for presentation
and interpretation.
• Single piece of information is called Datum and plural form of datum is data.
• All the data collected in a particular study are referred to as the data set for the
study.
• Elements are the entities on which data are collected. Single entity or individual
in a population. It can be a person, object or unit of analysis.
• The set of measurements obtained for a particular element is called an
observation.
• For example, a class of 30 students (elements) takes a test resulting in 30 test
scores (observations).
Population & Sample
• A population is the entire group that you want to draw conclusions about.
The numerical quantity computed from the population is called a
parameter.
• A sample is the specific group that you will collect data from. The
numerical quantity computed from the sample is called a statistic.
Classification of data regarding measurement
Variable
(Varies from individual
to individual). Height,
Weight,Age

Qualitative/Categorical
Quantitative
(Not capable of
(Capable of assuming
assuming a numerical
a numerical value).
value). Gender,
Height, Weight, Speed
Ethnicity, Hair color

Continuous Discrete
(Can assume any (Assumes only
number on the number isolated values on the
line). Temperature, number line). # of
Weight, Height rooms in a house
Classification of data regarding Sources of Data

Sources of Data

Secondary
Primary Second hand data
First hand data Already collected by
Not gone through any someone else & has
statistical treatment undergone a statistical
treatment

Personal investigation Govt organizations

Through enumerators Research organizations
Questionnaires Journals
Telephone Newspapers
Local sources
Data regarding number of variables
Data

Multivariate
Univariate Bivariate
(Represents
(Represents (Represents observations on
observations on 1 observations on 2 more than 2
Variable) Variable) Variable)

Name
Age
Type of transmission Height and weight for
Blood pressure level
(Manual or Automatic) each football player
Sugar level
Cholesterol levels
 Errors of measurement
• Absolute error (difference between True value and measured value)
Let x= measured value, e=error, x+e =true value (as true value is the sum of
measured value and error
True value-measured value= error
(x+e)-x=e
• Relative error (ratio of absolute error and true value)
• Biased error/systematic
Intentional bias, one-directional, cumulative in nature
• Unbiased error/random/accidental
Unpredictable, By chance, disappear in the long run(it can be both
negative and positive so they balance out )
Scales of measurement
In statistics, scales of measurement refer to the way data is categorized and measured.
There are four primary scales:
Nominal
Categorizes data without any inherent order or hierarchy
- Examples: gender, ethnicity, color

Ordinal
Ranks data in order, but intervals between values are not equal
- Examples: education level, satisfaction ratings
Scales of
measurement Ratio
Measures data with equal intervals and a true zero point
- Examples: weight, height, age

Interval
Measures data with equal intervals between consecutive values
- Examples: temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit), calendar
years
Interval & Ratio scale
Interval scale Ratio scale
• Has equal intervals between • Has equal intervals between
consecutive levels consecutive levels
• Does not have a true zero • Has a true zero point.
point. Zero is just a reference Absence of attribute.
value.
• Allows all comparison of
• Allows comparison of magnitude (+,-,*,/)
differences (+,-)
• E.g. Weight, Height, Age,
• Temperature GPA
What is a true zero point?
A true zero point also known as an absolute zero point is a reference
point in a measurement scale that represents the absence of the
quantity being measured. In other words, a true zero point is a point
where the measured attribute is absent or non-existent.
Example:
Weight: 0 kg means object has no weight (Ratio scale)
Height: 0 meter means object has no height (Ratio scale)
Temperature: 00 does not mean absence of temperature. (Interval
scale)
Any Questions