Discussion
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- OpenStax Textbook: Chapter 1
- Lesson 1 Reading
- Minimum of 1 scholarly source AND one appropriate resource such as the textbook, math video and/or math website
In your reference for this assignment, be sure to include both your text/class materials AND your outside reading(s).
Initial Post Instructions
Present two different types of data, or variables, used in the health field. Examples could be blood pressure, temperature, pH, pain rating scales, pulse oximetry, % hematocrit, minute respiration, gender, age, ethnicity, etc.
Classify each of your variables as qualitative or quantitative and explain why they fall into the category that you chose.
Also, classify each of the variables as to their level of measurement–nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio–and justify your classifications.
Which type of sampling could you use to gather your data? (stratified, cluster, systematic, and convenience sampling)
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
Your responses to other students can explain additional analyses that could be done with the variables they selected. Consider confounding variables, discrete or continuous data, the effects of outliers, etc.
Writing Requirements
Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines
Course Outcomes
CO 1: Given scenarios supported by population data, apply sampling techniques and explain potential pitfalls and bias in data collection.
CO 2: Given datasets with qualitative and quantitative data, differentiate between the types of data and how they can be applied in statistical studies for everyday life.
Due Date
Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:59 p.m. MT Recommended by Wednesday
Due Date for Follow-Up Posts: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Posts must be on two separate days.
Sample Solution
Present two different types of data, or variables, used in the health field. Examples include blood pressure, temperature, pH, pain rating scales, pulse oximetry, % hematocrit, minute respiration, gender, age, ethnicity, etc.
Two types of data that I use in the healthcare field are FHT (fetal heart tones) and blood pressure.
2. Classify each of your variables as qualitative or quantitative and explain why they fall into your chosen category.
Both of these are considered quantitative units of measurement. “Quantitative data are always numbers. Quantitative data are the result of counting or measuring attributes of a population.” (Holmes et al., 2018)
3. Also, classify each of the variables as to their level of measurement–nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio–and justify your classifications.
To me, it is considered a ratio. “You can categorize, rank, and infer equal intervals between neighboring data points, and there is a true zero point.” (Bhandari, 2023). A true zero means there is an absence of the variable of interest. In ratio scales, zero does mean an absolute lack of the variable.
4. Which type of sampling could you use to gather your data? (stratified, cluster, systematic, and convenience sampling)
I struggled with answering this question in relation to the the quantitative data we use in healthcare. However, I believe that it would be considered cluster sampling. “Cluster sampling also involves dividing the population into subgroups, but each subgroup should have similar characteristics to the whole sample. Instead of sampling individuals from each subgroup, you randomly select entire subgroups.” (McCombes, 2023). The reason I picked this is because the subcategories for quantitative health information would be the ranges of normal and those who fall within or outside of those ranges. This is a broad way of understanding someone’s health.
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References:
Bhandari, P. (2023, June 21). Levels of measurement | nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/levels-of-measurement/Links to an external site.
McCombes, S. (2023, June 22). Sampling Methods | Types, Techniques & Examples. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/sampling-methods/Links to an external site.
Holmes, A., Illowsky, B., & Dean, S. (2018). Introductory Business Statistics. OpenStax.
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