Have you ever wondered what proportion of teenagers support year-round school? How many people actually read the terms and conditions before clicking “I agree”? Or what fraction of YouTube videos use clickbait titles?
In this project, you’ll design a study to investigate a question about one population proportion—a question where it’s not feasible to gather data from everyone, so you’ll need to use random sampling. You’ll collect data, calculate confidence intervals, and use your findings to make inferences about the larger population.
Whether your topic involves opinions, behaviors, or trends in the world around you, you’ll use statistics to dig into a big question that matters—and back it up with data.
Choose a Research Question
Select a question that investigates the proportion of SBHS students who share a specific belief, behavior, or characteristic.
The question must yield categorical (yes/no or similar) data.
Develop a Survey Plan
Clearly define what is being measured and ensure survey wording is unbiased.
Determine the population of interest (e.g., all SBHS students, juniors and seniors, etc.).
Select a Random Sampling Method
Simple random sample (SRS)
Systematic random sampling
Stratified random sampling
Cluster sampling
Collect Data Using the Chosen Random Sampling Method
Document the process to ensure randomness.
Aim for a sample size of at least 30-50 responses to allow meaningful statistical inference.
Address potential sources of bias (e.g., nonresponse, voluntary response).
Summarize the Data
Calculate the sample proportion
Check conditions for inference
Construct a Confidence Interval for One Proportion
Choose an appropriate confidence level (typically 95%).
Calculate the interval
Interpret the Confidence Interval in Context
Explain what the interval means in terms of the research question.
Create a slideshow of your project.
Please prepare a slideshow presentation of your project. While there is no specific template for this assignment, you may find it helpful to refer to your previous presentations for guidance on layout, content, and other elements to include.
Present to the Class
Drivers in South Burlington believe parking at SBHS is inadequate?
High school websites in Vermont mention their national ranking on the homepage?
People walking or biking near SBHS actively take steps to reduce their carbon footprint?
Vermont students in grades 6–12 believe they receive too much homework?
TV commercials during primetime reinforce a commonly held stereotype? (You’ll define the stereotype to analyze.)
Students go to Office Hours?
Schools in Vermont have an advisory period that students report as valuable?
Vermont households have at least one family member participating in extracurricular activities weekly?
Articles or responses generated by AI tools are trusted by readers to be accurate?
Public school lunch menus in the U.S. include options that meet common dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free)?