Summary for Week 1 (Septembr 14-16)

We started by taking a quick look at the course outline.

In Chapter 1, we discussed the use of statistics in different disciplines, defined populations and samples and looked at the sampling problem associated with the "Dewey defeats Truman" incident in 1948.


Next, we learned how to generate random numbers (marbles in a bucket, random number table, and finally by MegaStat).  We classified data as quantitative vs. qualitative, and cross-sectional vs. time-series. For the time series case we looked at the coffee temperature case (Stella Liebeck vs. McDonald's).

The two concepts of being in statistical control, and being capable were also introduced. We wrapped up our discussion with a look at a blood pressure data taken over time, thus completing Chapter 1.