Statistical language
Students learn the basic vocabulary of statistics: data, variables, populations, samples, parameters and statistics.
Module 1
Introduction to Statistical Thinking
This module introduces the purpose of statistics, the structure of statistical data, the difference between populations and samples, types of variables, graphical summaries and sampling methods.
Module aim
Build the language of statistics before formulas.
Students begin by learning what data represent, how variables are classified, why samples differ from populations and how early statistical thinking supports every later module.
5
Lessons
Zero
Coding
Foundation
Level
Data language
Focus
Data structure
The module explains how different variable types shape the way data should be described, displayed and interpreted.
Sampling thinking
Students learn why sampling methods matter before making conclusions about a wider population.
Module lessons
Study the lessons in order.
Each lesson builds one part of the foundation: what statistics means, how populations and samples are connected, how data are classified, how tables and graphs communicate information and how sampling methods shape conclusions.
1.1
Lesson 1.1
What is statistics?
Understand statistics as the science of learning from data under uncertainty.
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1.2
Lesson 1.2
Populations, samples and variables
Learn how populations, samples, observational units, variables, parameters and statistics connect.
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1.3
Lesson 1.3
Types of data
Classify data as categorical, numerical, nominal, ordinal, discrete or continuous.
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1.4
Lesson 1.4
Tables and graphs
Choose appropriate tables and graphs for different variable types and research questions.
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1.5
Lesson 1.5
Sampling methods
Compare simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster and convenience sampling.
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Learning route
Complete this module before descriptive statistics.
Module 2 assumes that students already understand populations, samples, variables, data types, tables, graphs and basic sampling methods.
Continue to Module 2 →Course pathway
Return to the full Statistics Foundation course.
Use the course homepage to move between all five modules, review the full structure and continue through the 26-lesson foundation pathway.
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