The Study Skills Programme
Glossary
This glossary provides details of the key words used in this module .
analyse
bias
correlation
To analyse is to examine something in detail – break it down into its component parts .
Bias means that a person prefers an idea and possibly does not give equal chance to a different idea .
In statistics , correlation is a way to indicate how closely related two sets of data are . This does not mean that one causes the other ; in fact , it is very possible that there is a third factor involved . Correlation usually has one of two directions - positive or negative ( you ’ ll know this from using scatter diagrams in Maths ).
evaluate To judge something in a thoughtful and careful way .
inference ( infer )
objectivity
Inference is the process of drawing a conclusion based on the available evidence plus your previous knowledge and experience . We sometimes say inference is reading between the lines .
If you look at something objectively , you consider it based solely on the facts and are not influenced by any personal feelings or beliefs .
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