Descriptive Statistics Project

Project Overview

This project is intended to provide an opportunity to work in groups of 2 or 3 and apply knowledge of descriptive statistics to a real-world setting. The project must be centered on a topic of group interest that is to be explored. Data related to the chosen topic must be collected in an appropriate, unbiased way as discussed in class. Descriptive statistics that help reveal information related to the chosen topic must be calculated. Graphical representations of the data must be generated using appropriate technology. A written summary of the insights obtained using statistical methods should be included in your final submission of the project.

Project Scoring

• Appropriateness of the data collection methods - 20
• Correct, clearly described statistical calculations - 20
• Appropriate visualizations - 20
• Organization and clarity - 20
• Written summary of methods and insights obtained - 20

Scoring Categories Elaboration

Data collection – good topics are those in which your group is interested and for which useful data can be gathered. Please check with the instructor if you are uncertain about your topic choice or appropriateness of chosen data gathering methods.

Calculations – all calculations should be clearly explained, relevant to the chosen topic, and computationally correct.

Visualizations – graphs and tables should be appropriate for gaining insight into your data, accurate labeled, and clearly rendered.

Organization – all information should be presented in a readable, logical manner.

Summary – the project summary should include a clear statement of the topic, a detailed description of the data gathering methods, a clear and accurate presentation of the calculations and visualizations chosen to provide insights into the topic, and real-world insights that were obtained through the use of statistical methods.

Project Submission

This project should be submitted in electronic form as a single PDF file. PDF files are easily generated using Mac computers, and the CUTEPDF website provides you free software to generate PDF files on a PC. The project should be emailed to the instructor (kickrg@gmail.com) as an email attachment before 11:59 PM Thursday, 11-18-2010. An email confirmation of your submission should be returned to you on or before 11-19-2010. If your personal computer system fails, you will be responsible for finding a working system from which you can submit your project. Email versions (each update) of your work to yourself to insure that your work is retrievable from any Internet connected computer.

Please talk to the instructor if you need assistance with generating, storing, or submitting your project.