In this video you'll be introduced to some of the basic concepts of statistics, in particular random variables, variation and sampling. It doesn’t build on ideas discussed in any of the previous videos, so feel free to watch this one straight away.
Before You Watch
Now What?
You should now be familiar with the fundamental idea of Statistics. You could explore this entire series of videos or select specific topics of interest.
But When Am I Going to Use This?
Statistics is essential in the study of systems as it considers, and accounts for, the unpredictable random component of processes and systems. For example, organisational or business systems, education systems, ecosystems and living things, the solar system, economic or financial systems, mechanical systems, physics, science, quality control, health care systems … any environment within which information is to be sought and there is a degree of unpredictability about the key measures of interest. In fact, any studies or environments that involve the collection of data. Consider the amount of liquid in bottles of soft drink on the shelves at a supermarket, it varies across the bottles…statistical quality control would aim to minimise such variation
Other Links
Maths is Fun provides an index of a range of topics covering probability and statistics. Select the 'Probability and Statistics Index' at the top of that site, then choose the area you wish to explore.
The Khan Academy has video tutorials covering a range of mathematical and other concepts, as well as questions to test your knowledge. This video explains how probability and statistics are linked, and allows you to investigate more complex statistical concepts.