These lessons will involve the students in investigating and understanding:
The purpose and uses of statistics and possible misconceptions and misuses of Statistics
How to design a plan and collect data on the basis of the above knowledge
The data handling cycle (Pose a question, collect data, analyse data, interpret the result and refine the original question if necessary)
PM: Short Presentation on Data Handling Cycle
PM: The Data Handling Cycle (document)
PM: Road Map for a Statistical Investigation
The Census at School (CAS) questionnaire as a means of collecting data
Questionnaire designs
Populations and samples: That sampling variability influences the use of sample information to make statements about the population
The importance of representativeness so as to avoid biased samples
Sample selection (Simple Random Sample, stratified, cluster, quota - no formulae required, just definitions of these)
Slideshare: Sampling Presentation
The extent to which conclusions can be generalised
Primary sources of data ( observational (including sample surveys) and experimental studies) and secondary sources of data
o The importance of randomisation (random assignment of subjects) and the role of the control group in studies
o Biases, limitations and ethical issues of each type of study
PM: Primary & Secondary Sources and Sampling Presentation
PM: Activities & Questions on Primary & Secondary Sources and Sampling Presentation
PM: Solutions on Primary & Secondary Sources and Sampling Presentation
The different ways of collecting data
How to summarise data in diagrammatic form
PM: Presenting Data Presentation
The students will also engage in analysing spreadsheets of data for example the spreadsheet of class data returned from the Census at School questionnaire to include:
o Recognising different types of data – category (nominal /ordinal), numerical (discrete/ continuous)
o Recognising univariate/bivariate data
o Discussing possible questions which might be answered with the data
PM: Presentation on possible questions
PM: Activities & Questions on possible questions
PM: Solutions on possible questions
PM: Reviewing the use of statistics
Khan Academy Links
Practice: Statistical questions
Identifying bias in samples and surveys (article)
Examples of bias in surveys (video) | Khan Academy(Opens in a new window)
Techniques for random sampling and avoiding bias (video)
Observational studies and experiments
Optional Extra: Perception, prejudice, and bias questions (practice)