# Definition:Sample Statistic

(Redirected from Definition:Data)

## Definition

A sample statistic is a numerical description of a sample.

## Also known as

A sample statistic can also be seen referred to as just a statistic when it is not necessary to emphasize the distinction between a sample statistic and a population parameter.

Another word for sample statistic is datum.

Also note the plural form statistics (as used in this context), also known as data.

The word data is more commonly encountered than statistics, as the latter word is also used to mean the mathematical discipline as opposed to these particular elements.

### Discrete Data

Data which can be described with a discrete variable are known as discrete data.

### Continuous Data

Data which can be described with a continuous variable are known as continuous data.

### Raw Data

Raw data are collected data which have not been organized or analysed in any way.

## Linguistic Note on Data

The word data is a plural noun.

Its singular is datum, which derives from the Latin for thing which is (or has been) given.

Like many other nouns whose plural form is irregular, in popular usage data is often (technically incorrectly) used as both the singular and plural forms.