Due 10/11

PADM 702

Research Paper: Descriptive Analysis Assignment Guide

I. Getting Started 

To use the Descriptive Statistics feature in Excel, the Data Analysis ToolPak must be activated.

To see if Data Analysis ToolPak has been activated:

1. Look at the top middle of the excel screen and select Data.

1. Look at the top right of the Excel screen and find Data Analysis.

If you see this, you do have the Data Analysis ToolPak activated. Please proceed to the next section: Calculating Descriptive Statistics.

If you do not see this: Install the Data Analysis ToolPak by following the instructions outlined in the Watch item in Module 3: Week 3 titled: How to Add Analysis ToolPak in Excel.

Note: There is a help session video located in the Canvas Home Page under Module 3 that will walk you through the assignment. (In the instructional video State A is Mississippi and State B is Kentucky.)

II. Calculating Descriptive Statistics: 

Step 1

Open and save the Revenue Data located in the Revenue Analysis Worksheet located in the assignment resources.

Follow the instructions using the TOTAL INCOME TAXES TOTAL SALES TAX data, including the column heading . You can use the Analysis ToolPak add-in to generate descriptive statistics.

1. On the Data tab, in the Analysis group, click Data Analysis.

Note: Can't find the Data Analysis button? Review the Analysis ToolPak in Excel located in the assignment resources.

2. Select Descriptive Statistics and click OK.

You will see the following dialog box:

\

For the first set of Descriptive Statistics: MONTHLY TAX COLLECTIONS, MISSISSIPPI

· Select the range B2:C105 as the Input Range—Highlight and Drag.

· Select Label in First Row

· Select New Worksheet Ply

· Select Summary Statistics.

· Select OK.

For the second set of Descriptive Statistics: MONTHLY TAX COLLECTIONS, KENTUCKY

· Select the range F2:G105 as the Input Range—Highlight and Drag.

· Select Label in First Row

· Select New Worksheet Ply

· Select Summary Statistics.

· Select OK.

Each result will appear as a separate sheet in the Worksheet and will look as follows:

Note: Since the data come from two different data sets, Mississippi and Kentucky (with different means), one cannot simply compare the standard deviations. You need to compare the data using the Coefficient of Variation. To compute the Coefficient of Variation, you must divide the standard deviation by the mean (standard deviation/mean) and then compare the Coefficients of Variation.

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PADM 702

Research Paper: Descriptive Analysis Assignment Instructions

Overview

A simple way to analyze fiscal data over time is via descriptive statistics. Descriptive Statistics refer to the analysis, summary, and presentation of findings related to a data set derived from a sample or entire population. Descriptive statistics comprise three main categories – Frequency Distribution, Measures of Central Tendency, and Measures of Variability. Although descriptive statistics may provide information regarding a data set, they do not allow for conclusions to be made based on the data analysis but, rather, provide a description of the data being analyzed.

Value of Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics allow for the ease of data visualization. They allow for data to be presented in a meaningful and understandable way, which, in turn, allows for a simplified interpretation of the data set in question. Raw data would be difficult to analyze, and trend and pattern determination may be challenging to perform. In addition, raw data makes it challenging to visualize what the data is showing. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize complex quantitative data.

The coefficient of variation measures how far the data points (monthly taxes) are from the mean. The less spread, the smaller the coefficient of variation, thus one can have more confidence that the collected monthly taxes will be parallel, creating less financial risk. Conversely, the greater the spread, the larger the coefficient of variation, thus one can have less confidence that the collected monthly taxes will be parallel, creating more financial risk.

Instructions

For this assignment, students will compute the coefficient of variation and interpret and write a four-page memo stating the findings.

Submit research paper as a research memo:

To:

From:

Subject:

The paper content should consist of:

(1) At least two of pages describing the value of the standard deviation and coefficient of variation and how they can be used in risk assessment.

(2) A table of computational findings using the Revenue Analysis Template.

(3) Analysis of the coefficients of variation as they pertain to the two risk assessment research questions for two states.

Use the Revenue Analysis Template to present the data in your research memo. Also, report the means and standard deviations as whole dollars.

Interpreting Descriptive Statistics

How to analyze the coefficient of variation and compare the two data sets

The coefficient of variation measures how far the data points (monthly taxes) are from the mean. The less spread, the smaller coefficient of variation, thus one can have more confidence that the collected monthly taxes will be parallel. The more the spread, the larger the coefficient of variation; thus, one can have less confidence that the collected monthly taxes will be parallel.

An analysis of the coefficient of variation can be somewhat complex. However, for this assignment, you will just answer the following research questions:

· Which set of data shows highest variation and which shows lowest variation? Which state shows the highest and lowest variations in total income and total sales tax collections?

· Which state’s tax collections are more consistent and fluctuates the least?

Assigned readings probably will not help you analyze primary data. You must learn to do that yourself by researching how to analyze data. The author(s) have not seen your data, so they cannot help with the interpretation.

The paper must be in current APA format with 1-inch margins and 12-pt Times New Roman font. You must also include a title page and reference page. You must include citations to a sufficient number of appropriate professional, scholarly, or other appropriate sources to fully support your assertions and conclusions (which will likely require more than the minimum number of citations); each paper must include a minimum of 5 sources, not including the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible.

Review Watch: Statistics: Comparing Standard Deviations Without Calculation

Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited and may result in failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and/or removal from the program. It is your responsibility to ensure that you fully understand what constitutes the various forms of plagiarism and to avoid all forms of plagiarism.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

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