Variation

Definition

Variation refers to the differences or deviations in data points within a dataset. It measures how much the values differ from each other and from the mean of the dataset.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Variation can be quantified using statistical measures such as variance and standard deviation.
2. High variation indicates that data points are spread out widely, while low variation means they are clustered closely around the mean.
3. In sampling, variation can arise due to natural differences in the population or due to sampling error.
4. Understanding variation is crucial for making inferences about a population based on a sample.
5. Common sources of variation include measurement errors, individual differences, and environmental factors.

Review Questions

• What is the significance of high versus low variation in a dataset?
• How does variation affect the reliability of conclusions drawn from a sample?
• Which statistical measures are commonly used to quantify variation?

Related terms

Variance:

A measure of how much values in a dataset differ from the mean. It is calculated as the average of the squared differences from the mean.

Standard Deviation:

A measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a dataset. It is the square root of variance.

Sampling Error: The discrepancy between a sample statistic and its corresponding population parameter caused by random variations during sampling.