Table of contents
- 1. Intro to Stats and Collecting Data55m
- 2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs1h 55m
- 3. Describing Data Numerically1h 45m
- 4. Probability2h 16m
- 5. Binomial Distribution & Discrete Random Variables2h 33m
- 6. Normal Distribution and Continuous Random Variables1h 38m
- 7. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Mean1h 3m
- 8. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Proportion1h 12m
- 9. Hypothesis Testing for One Sample1h 1m
- 10. Hypothesis Testing for Two Samples2h 8m
- 11. Correlation48m
- 12. Regression1h 4m
- 13. Chi-Square Tests & Goodness of Fit1h 20m
- 14. ANOVA1h 0m
1. Intro to Stats and Collecting Data
Intro to Stats
Problem 1.2.19
Textbook Question
In Exercises 13–20, determine whether the data are from a discrete or continuous data set.
Statistics Classes In each of her classes, a statistics professor records the number of students who earned a grade of A.

1
Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data: Discrete data can only take specific values (often integers), while continuous data can take any value within a range.
Identify the variable in the problem: The variable here is the 'number of students who earned a grade of A' in each class.
Consider the nature of the variable: The number of students is a countable quantity, meaning it can only be whole numbers (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.).
Determine if the data can take any value within a range or only specific values: Since the number of students is countable and cannot be fractional, it is limited to specific integer values.
Conclude whether the data is discrete or continuous: Based on the analysis, the data is discrete because it consists of countable, specific values.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Discrete Data
Discrete data refers to countable data points that can take on distinct, separate values. In the context of the question, the number of students earning a grade of A is a discrete data set because it involves counting individual students, resulting in whole numbers without fractions or decimals.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Variance & Standard Deviation of Discrete Random Variables
Continuous Data
Continuous data represents measurements that can take on any value within a given range, often involving fractions or decimals. Unlike discrete data, continuous data is not countable but measurable, such as height or temperature. Understanding this distinction helps in identifying the nature of the data set in the question.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Visualizing Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
Data Set Classification
Classifying data as discrete or continuous is crucial for selecting appropriate statistical methods. Discrete data often uses methods like frequency counts and probability distributions, while continuous data might involve measures like mean and standard deviation. Recognizing the type of data helps in applying the correct analytical techniques.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Visualizing Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
Watch next
Master Introduction to Statistics Channel with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learning