AP Statistics: Hypothesis Testing Project
Project Overview
With this project you must demonstrate your statistical knowledge of hypothesis testing. Your
project must be based on one of the following hypothesis tests:
1. Chi-Square
2. Regression Analysis
3. One or Two Sample Mean
4. One or Two Sample Proportion
You must gather your own data, which will allow you to do inferences using one of the models
listed above. You must create an original study, which does not have an obvious conclusion
before the study is performed. Originality and complexity will be factors in your grade.
Experimental Design Requirements
You must collect data in order to answer a question, which you create for a sample you
define, with hopes of extending your conclusion to a population that you determine.
The data must be collected in a manner that fulfills the assumptions of the required test.
The experimental design may be an observational study, a controlled experiment, or a
survey.
If data is collected from human subjects, privacy must be maintained at all times. If data
is collected about human subjects without their knowledge, you must first have your
procedures approved by your teacher.
Descriptive Statistics
Any descriptive statistics relevant to your project should be included.
At least two graphs (such as a boxplot, scatter plot, stem-and-leaf, histogram, etc.) should
be included as part of your project. The graphs may be used to summarize descriptive
statistics.
Hypothesis Test
The type of test should be identified. Include an explanation of why this type of test was
chosen.
Your project should include that is meets the assumptions of the particular test. This may
include a graph.
The hypotheses should be stated in words in addition to being stated symbolically.
The formula should be written with symbols and then with the substitution of the
appropriate numbers.
You may use your graphing calculator to perform calculations.
1
Format and Style
The report should have the following attributes:
It should be typed using a word processor. (Please see me if you feel this is a hardship.)
Symbols and equations may be inserted by hand. Note that some word processors can
easily create most symbols.
It should have a cover page and be stapled or bound in an appropriate manner.
Graphs should be created on a computer or in ink. All graphs should be titled and have
properly labeled axes.
The Report
The report should have each of the following sections in the order given:
1. The Abstract
This is a one-page overview of the study, covering all the important details.
This page should summarize the crucial points of the study from the
beginning to the conclusion.
2. The Study
A. The Question: A description in every day English of the question you are
trying to answer.
B. Sampling: A careful description of how you obtained the samples.
Be very specific. Include sample sizes, population of interest, and
description of sample. Also include a copy of the survey if you used one.
C. Data: The actual pages you used to record the data and a summary of the
counts. This does NOT have to be typed.
D. Relevant Descriptive Statistics and Graphs.
E. Significance Test: The test should be done using AP Standards. AP Standards
include a statement of the type of test and an explanation for the use of that
test, as well as a check of the appropriate assumptions. Also include your
hypotheses stated in words and symbols, test statistic, and p-value. Your
formula with symbols, then with substituted numerical values, then the
evaluation as a number should be provided. Also include a normal or chisquare diagram to illustrate your test statistic and p-value. Do not write
conclusions until part 4.
3. Discussion
A. Weaknesses of your study. Include any confounding variables.
B. Extrapolate. What population do you feel comfortable extrapolating your
results to? Explain why.
C. Suggestions for further work in the area of your topic.
4. Conclusion
Include the meaning of p-value and amount of evidence. Be sure to reference
the situation as you discuss your conclusion. Explain what led you to the
conclusion(s) that you have drawn.
2
Manipulation of Data
Do not alter your experiment or the data you collect to fit some notion of correct data.
Remember the study of statistics depends on variability.
Working With Others
You may work by yourself, with one other student, or with 2 other students. If you
choose to work with a partner(s), make sure that the project is involved enough for two or
three people. You will submit one report for the group; however, each student must have
a part in the class presentation.
Due Date
The project is due at the start of class on Wednesday May 27th. This project is worth 100
points. Late projects will receive a 10-point deduction for every day late. I will be
checking your progress frequently. You must have topic ideas by Monday May 11th.
Class presentations will be given to summarize the project. They will be approximately 10minutes in length and will begin on June 1st. The class presentation and visual
component will be worth 35 points.
3
AP Statistics: Final Project
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
1. The Abstract
(5 points)
____________
Provides a good overview of the experiment.
Discusses experiment from beginning to end.
2. The Study
Question
(5 points)
____________
Question is clearly stated.
Sampling
(8 points)
____________
Sample is either an observational study, experiment, or survey.
Sampling methods are described in detail.
Population and sample are described.
Survey included if used.
Sampling is done randomly.
Data
(5 points)
____________
Data is included.
Relevant Descriptive Statistics and Graphs (8 pts) ____________
At least two graphs are part of the project.
Descriptive Statistics are included.
Graphs are done in ink or with a computer.
Significance Test
(20 points)
____________
Explanation of type of test.
Accurate choice for test.
Assumptions are checked and met.
Hypotheses stated in words and symbols.
Formula written in symbols and then with the numbers.
Test statistic and p-value is included and accurate.
Normal or Chi-square diagram is included and accurate.
4
3. Discussion
Weaknesses of study (6 points)
____________
Any weaknesses are noted.
Accurate portrayal of weaknesses.
Extrapolate (5 points)
____________
Good choice of population to use for extrapolation.
Reasons given for choice of population.
Suggestions for further work (5 points)
____________
Reasonable suggestions for further study in the area.
4. Conclusion
(10 points)
____________
Clear conclusion is drawn.
Reasoning behind conclusion is identified.
Accurate interpretation of results.
5. Overall appearance (13 points)
____________
Cover Page (2 points)
Neatness and in proper order. (4 points)
Typed (2 points)
Paper includes proper grammar and does not contain spelling mistakes. (5 points)
6. Originality and Complexity (10 points)
____________
Creative and original topic was chosen.
Complexity is appropriate for number of individuals.
OVERALL GRADE
100
5
AP Statistics: Final Project
Class Presentation
Name(s):
___________________________________
Date: ____________
_________________________________
_________________________________
TOPIC: ___________________________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION & INFORMATION (10 points)
____________
Information is accurate. (3)
Appropriate test was chosen. (3)
Project is described from beginning to end. (4)
CLASS PRESENTATION (15 points)
____________
Presentation is easy to follow. (4)
Knowledge of topic is evident. (4)
Partners share workload evenly. (4)
Presentation was appropriate length. (3)
VISUAL PRODUCT (10 points)
____________
Visual provides a good overview of the project. (4)
Information on visual is accurate. (3)
Visual is neat and easy to read. (3)
FINAL GRADE
35
6