MDM4U Statistics Project: Creating a
Survey
People often have a great distrust for statistical data. This is
because there are a large number of statistical studies that have
been done incorrectly and with questionable analysis.
Your first step in your statistical analysis project is to get a set
of primary data (data that you will collect). Your survey data is
what you will be using for the remainder of the course. It will
guide your final project and your presentation.
Before you are allowed to conduct your survey, you must have your survey questions and
your sampling technique approved by Mr. Garrison. If you intend to survey classrooms,
you must get the permission of the teacher at least one full day ahead of time.
Requirements:
Your survey assignment should include each of the following:
-
-
A clear statement of the goal of your survey
A brief explanation of the sample frame and the population
A copy of your survey questions, which should include at least 3 agree / disagree
questions, 2 numerical / quantitative questions and at least one categorical
question
A short description of your sampling technique
Three graphical summaries of a selection of your data
A description of any possible biases in your survey or assumptions that you
needed to make
When creating a survey, it can be valuable to follow these steps:
1. Determine what your goal is for this project – What do you want to find out?
What is a topic that interests you? So what? What value does this information
have and why is it important?
2. Determine your sample frame and your population – Who is this survey going to
be given to? What group do we want to find information about?
3. Determine your sampling method – What type of sample will you use to get this
information? How do you intend to take this sample?
4. Determine your survey questions and how they will be worded – Ensure that you
do not have leading questions that will sway respondents.
5. Conduct your survey and enter the results into statistical software (you will be
given a copy of Fathom Statistical Software for home use, and you will also be
given ample time to use school computers)
Analyze your data and summarize your key results – to visually and verbally explain at
least three different statistics that emerged from your survey.
Marking Scheme
Knowledge / Understanding
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Survey questions
Survey questions
Survey questions
include errors / bias. contain some bias.
are mostly free of
Sampling technique Sampling technique bias. Sampling
poorly captures
may or may not
technique provides a
population
reflect population.
useful sample
frame.
Application
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Graphical
Graphical
Graphical
summaries are
summaries are
summaries are well
inappropriate and do difficult to read and constructed and well
not effectively
contain little
explained. Data
convey information. relevant information shown is relevant to
the goal of the
survey
Level 1
Statement of
purpose is unclear.
Little if any
explanation of
sources of bias in
the survey.
Level 1
Survey design and
questions provide
little useful
information for
analysis.
Overall mark:
Comments:
Communication
Level 2
Level 3
Statement is
Statement is clear
somewhat clear.
and concise. Clear
Some explanation is explanation of
provided for the bias possible sources of
or sources of error
error.
in the survey.
Thinking / Inquiry
Level 2
Level 3
Survey design
Survey design
provides some
provides useful
useful information.
information relevant
to the topic with
some minor
omissions.
Level 4
Survey questions
are well worded and
neutral. Sampling
technique provides a
representative
sampling frame
Level 4
Graphical
summaries are well
explained and
constructed. Data
shows an excellent
connection to the
original goals of the
survey.
Level 4
Statement is clear
and concise.
Explanation of
assumptions and an
explanation of how
the survey could be
improved.
Level 4
Survey design
provides useful
information that
addresses the major
issues in the topic.