Project #1- Unit 3 Data Analysis-Directions and Grading Rubric (Due Wednesday, March 28, 2016)
Last Name: _______________________ First Name: __________________
Instructions
The objective of this project is to describe and analyze a numerical data set as discussed in Unit 3. This
is an individual project. Please follow the directions below to complete your project.
1. Choose a numerical variable in the Math 137 student survey (Spring 2015-Spring2016) results.
Your choice is: Question # _________ Variable name: ___________
2. Use StatCrunch to create a dot plot, histogram and boxplot for the data. Write a description of each
graph (What does the graph show you about the data that you have picked?).
3. Find the following sample statistics for the data set: Minimum value, Maximum value, Mean,
Median, Mode, Q1, Q3, Range, IQR, and Standard Deviation. Write a brief description of each of
these sample statistics and what it is used for. Explain their meaning of each number found for the
column of data that you have chosen.
4. Analyze the data set. What is the overall shape of the data set? Tell which measure of center you
think is best and which measure of spread you think is best. Write a sentence explaining the real
meaning of the center you found and a sentence explaining the real meaning of the spread you have
found. Also include a sentence about where “typical” values lie in the data set.
5. Answer the following questions. What did you learn about the students in the class from your
analysis? You will be graded not only on your analysis and graphs, but also on the quality of your
writing. You should have an introduction paragraph discussing why this topic was important in the
world or important to you and a conclusion paragraph summarizing your findings. Your report should
be at least one and a half pages double spaced (font 12) not counting graphs.
Grading Rubric (100 points total)
_______1. Introduction Paragraph – (5 points)
_______2. Create and describe the shape
_______ a. Dot Plot – Describe the shape of the dot plot. (5 points)
_______ b. Histogram – Describe the shape of the histogram. (5 points) What is the bin size (class width)?
_______ c. Boxplot – Analyze the boxplot. Are there any outliers in the data set? Are they mistakes?
Should we leave them in the data set or take the outliers out? Explain your reason.(5 points)
3. Sample Statistics. Make sure you include the units and in complete sentences explain what the
number says about the variable you have picked.
_______a. Minimum Value (5 points)
_______b. Maximum Value (5 points)
_______c. Mean (5 points)
_______d. Median (6 points)
_______e. Range (5 points)
_______f. Standard Deviation (6 points)
_______g. Q1 (6 points)
_______h. Q3 (6 points)
_______i. IQR (6 points)
4. Analyze the data:
_______a. What is the overall shape? (5 points)
_______b. What is the best measure of Center and how did it relate to the shape? (5 points)
_______c. What is the Average value for the data set? (5 points)
_______d. What is the best measure of Spread and how did it relate to the shape? Write a sentence explaining
the meaning of the best Spread. (5 points)
_______e. Give two numbers that typical numbers in the data set fall in between. (“Typical Range”) (either Q1
to Q3 or the Mean +/- Standard Deviation) (5 points). Explain your choice in relation to the shape.
_______5. Conclusion Paragraph – What did you learn by analyzing this data set? (5 points)