What is peer review, and why is it useful?

Assignment

Adapted from Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2017).

Understanding:

1. Define the terms as they apply to statistical studies: sample, raw data, sample statistic, confidence interval, margin of error, census.

2. Describe the five basic steps in a statistical study. Give an example of their application for a topic related to your research interests.

3. Explain why the following statement is true: The 95% confidence interval for a poll suggested that support for Governor Garcia is between 55% and 60%. Therefore, we can be certain that a majority of the population supports the governor.

4. Explain why this is false: One study of heart disease involved treating male physicians with daily doses of aspirin. Because the study concluded that aspirin helps males avoid heart disease, it follows that females can also avoid heart disease by taking aspirin.

5. What is peer review, and why is it useful?