Math Project Collection and Anaylsis

Data Collection and Analysis

Paragraphs should be typed and written in complete sentences. Please use project headings for each section. Use Times New Roman, 12-pt font and double space. Cite any resource in APA format. Please note: up to 10% of the total points could be deducted for shortcomings in sentence structure and mechanics for written responses.

Choose a topic that is of interest to you from your program. In this project, you will be collecting and analyzing data to learn more about this topic. Determine the population for your study and decide how you would like to collect at least 30 data points for your sample (attach raw data sheet to your project). Make sure your sample represents your population.

You need to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. You may design a survey to collect your data. Make sure you have at least one variable that describes a characteristic (qualitative variable) and a least one variable that describes a measurement (quantitative variable) on your survey. Your instructor must approve your idea and survey before you start collecting data. You may be able to collect your data in another method (i.e. Internet sites) with instructor approval.

Data collection idea and survey approval:

· Your instructor must approve your idea and survey questions before you start your data collection.

Introduction: (1-2 paragraphs)

· Explain why you are interested in this topic.

· State the goal of your study clearly. Explain what you were trying to determine with the data you collected. Describe how the information you collected helped you learn more about the characteristic and measurement you were exploring.

Data Collection: (1-2 paragraphs)

· Identify the population for your study.

· Discuss your method of sampling. Include any questions you included in the survey used to collect your data.

· After reviewing your sample data, do you believe it is representative of the population you were interested in exploring? Why or why not?

· Discuss limitations resulting from the sampling method. Include any problems encountered while trying to collect the data.

· Report the measures of central tendency and dispersion for the measurement data (quantitative variable) you collected. Include the mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation.

· Report percentages for the different categories related to the data you collected about a characteristic (qualitative variable).

· Provide graphical summaries (at least two different graphs must be included in project)

· Histogram or a stem-and-leaf plot for the data related to your measurement (quantitative variable). Describe three things you observe in your graph. Do any values appear to be very different from the others?

· Bar chart and a frequency distribution for the data related to the characteristic of interest (qualitative variable). Describe three things you observe in your graph. Does the majority of the data seem to fall into a certain category?

Final Conclusion: (1-2 paragraphs)

· Summarize your final conclusions based on your sample data and your initial stated goals for the study. Were you were surprised by the results of your project or did your summary verify what you suspected?

· Make any recommendations for further studies on this topic. Discuss what you have learned by doing this project.

Project Ideas (You are not limited to the list below):

Quantitative (or numerical) Data – consist of numbers representing counts or measurements.

Qualitative (or categorical) Data – consist of names or labels.

Health

Quantitative: Determine the average heart rate by collecting a sample and recording heart rates. Determine the average temperature of a healthy adult.

Qualitative: What is your #1 factor when choosing a doctor?

___ Friendly Staff ___ Location ___ Price ___ Great service ___ Takes my insurance

Education

Quantitative: How many hours a week do students study? _________

Qualitative: What is your favorite subject in school?

____Math _____English _____Social Science _____Arts _____Science

Business

Quantitative: How much a month does you cell phone plan cost? _________

Qualitative: What is the most important consideration when choosing a cell provider?

___Cost/Special Plans ____Customer Service ____Coverage ___Other

Technology

Quantitative: How much do you pay to access the internet each month (add all plans, home and cell)? ________

Qualitative: What type of computer/mobile device do you use to access the internet the most?

_____Laptop ______iPad ______Smart Phone _____Desktop _____Other

Updated: 8/8/16