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 1.2.3.1
Textbook Question
Discrete/Continuous Data Which of the following describe discrete data?
a. The exact heights of all NBA basketball players

1
Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data. Discrete data refers to countable items, often integers, where there are distinct, separate values. Continuous data, on the other hand, can take any value within a range and is often measured rather than counted.
Consider the nature of the data described in the problem: 'The exact heights of all NBA basketball players.'
Recognize that height is typically measured in units such as inches or centimeters, which can take on any value within a range, including fractions or decimals.
Identify that because height can be measured to any level of precision, it is not countable in distinct, separate values, which is characteristic of continuous data.
Conclude that the exact heights of NBA basketball players describe continuous data, not discrete data.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mPlay 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 only take specific values, often represented as whole numbers. Examples include the number of students in a classroom or the number of cars in a parking lot. Discrete data cannot be subdivided meaningfully, as it represents distinct and separate values.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Variance & Standard Deviation of Discrete Random Variables
Continuous Data
Continuous data, in contrast to discrete data, can take any value within a given range and can be measured rather than counted. Examples include height, weight, and temperature, where values can be infinitely divided into smaller increments. Continuous data is often represented using real numbers and can include fractions and decimals.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Visualizing Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
Examples of Data Types
Understanding the difference between discrete and continuous data is crucial for statistical analysis. For instance, the exact heights of NBA players are considered continuous data because height can vary and be measured in fractions of an inch. In contrast, the number of players on a team is discrete, as it can only be a whole number.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Types of Data
Watch next
Master Introduction to Statistics Channel with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learning