This chapter is probably the single most important chapter of the course, since every other technique depends that you have a well designed Study or Experiment. Carefully note the green definition boxes, and read the examples to clarify your understanding. The practice test at the end of the chapter as well as the "Check your understanding" questions throughout the chapter are great for multiple choice practice.
Read EVERY BIT of the chapter!
Section 4.1: Sampling and Surveys
Especially note well:
4.1 Summary p. 225
Population and Sample (207)
The evil "Convenience Sample" (209)
The Statistical four-letter-word: bias (210)
The wicked "Voluntary response Sample" (210)
The Golden "SRS" - the vaccine against bias (211)
The use of the random digit table (212)
Stratified Random sample (216)
Cluster Sample (217)
The bane of undercoverage and nonresponse (221-2)
Wording bias (#35 229)
Section 4.2: Experiments
Especially note well:
4.2 Summary p. 252
Observational Study vs Experiment (231)
Lurking Variables and Confounding (232)
Treatment Experimental Units and Subjects(233)
Random Assignment (rather than selection) (237)
Completely Randomized Design(238)
Control, Random Assignment and Replication (241)
Double Blind and Statistical Significance (244)
Blocking (246)
Matched Pairs Design (249)
Section 4.3: Using Studies Wisely
Especially note well:
4.3 summary p. 268
Scope of Inference (261)
Basic Data Ethics (265)
Exercises
Section 4.1 Studies (pp. 226-230)
7
9
11
15
17
19
23
29
35
Section 4.2 Experiemnts (pp. 253-261)
45
49
53
59
61
67
68
72
74
77
87
89
91
97
Section 4.3 Using Data Wisely (pp. 269-270)
103
105
109
111
115
Chapter 4 Review Exercises (pp. 271- 273)
R4.1
R4.7
R4.9
Terms
Experimental Units, confounding, random assignment and selection, double-blinding, block design, placebo effect, scope of inference, informed consent,confidentiality, wording bias
Skills
Using table D and you calculator for random selection and random assignment, making a design and expressing it using an outline (like 239)