Skip main navigation

Activity 1 overview

Statistical theory and methods.

Learning outcomes

By completing the Week 1 course material, you will be better able to:

  • Identify issues of bias and distortion in examples of datasets. 
  • Explain the role of statistical models in inference from data.

This week, there are three activities to complete. Activity 1 and 2 give you the background knowledge of statistical theory and methods that you then apply in a longer research activity in Activity 3, in addition to a quiz at the end of the week.

Activity 1

You start this activity exploring the use of statistics in data analysis, and discovering its value in extracting hidden information. You will also be introduced to the main steps in statistical analysis, examples of data and inference, populations and samples, in addition to bias and randomisation.

Your understanding of these theories and concepts are examined at the end of Week 1 in a graded quiz which has five multiple-choice questions on basic concepts of statistical data analysis. You may repeat this quiz as many times as you wish to achieve the passing grade that contributes to your course completion.

This article is from the free online

Statistical Methods

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now