Module 12: Statistics
Collecting and Analyzing Data
Take a moment to think about all the careers that incorporate data collection. Perhaps you thought of jobs in the fields of science, marketing, or even technology. In such a knowledge driven society, the options are endless, and the skills you have acquired in this module are invaluable. In particular, you learned how to use the curve that best fits a data set to solve practical problems and make predictions. For this assignment, you will have the opportunity to collect, examine, and evaluate data of your own.
Use the Collecting and Analyzing Data Template to guide you through the following steps:
- Brainstorm a list of at least three real-world topics you believe could be turned into an interesting experiment. Record your ideas.
- Select one of your ideas.
- Collect data for your experiment and graph it. Show your work.
- Examine your data. Would a linear model or a quadratic model best fit your data? Explain your reasoning.
- If a linear or quadratic model would best fit your data:
- Determine the equation of the line or curve of best fit. Justify your equation.
- Use your equation to make a prediction.
- Determine the equation of the line or curve of best fit. Justify your equation.
- If neither a linear or quadratic model would best fit your data:
- Which data values would have to be different in order for a linear or quadratic equation to be a reasonable model?
- Determine the equation of the line of best fit, if the modified data had been the actual data that you collected. Explain why this equation is not a reasonable model of your actual data and could not be used to make predictions.
- Which data values would have to be different in order for a linear or quadratic equation to be a reasonable model?
- If a linear or quadratic model would best fit your data:
- While completing your assignment, keep in mind that answering the following questions will help you decide if a mathematical model of a practical situation is reasonable.
- Would a different linear or quadratic curve be a better fit for the data?
- With regards to the data set, does the curve of best fit make sense? Explain.
- Can reasonable predictions be made using the curve of best fit? Explain.
Before you begin, access the Collecting and Analyzing Data Checklist to make sure you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you used.
Reflection
After you have completed the assignment above, take a moment to reflect on the following questions. Respond to each of these questions in a brief four to five sentence paragraph.
- How do you think collecting and analyzing data could impact your future?
- What are some jobs or scenarios you may find yourself in where having skills to collect and analyze data would be beneficial?
Once you have completed this assignment and reflection, please submit your work to the dropbox.