Use statistical software to create, interpret, and analyze two histograms in a Word document.
Collapse AllIntroduction
Descriptive statistics are just what they sound like, statistics that allow you to describe or summarize the data with regard to such things as their distribution and their spread. Descriptive statistics provide you with a picture of your data while inferential statistics (which we will discuss in subsequent assessments) allow you to draw conclusions about relationships between variables or differences between groups.
A solid understanding of descriptive statistics is foundational to grasping the concepts presented in inferential statistics. This assessment measures your understanding of key elements of descriptive statistics.
Instructions
Your first statistical software assessment includes two sections in which you will do the following:
- Create two histograms.
- Calculate measures of central tendency and dispersion.
This will give you some experience with the data set.
Key Details and Instructions
- Submit your assessment as a Word document.
- Refer to the JASP Step-by-Step: Histograms and Descriptive Statistics [PDF] document for additional help in completing this assessment.
- View JASP Speedrun: Descriptive Statistics [Video] for a brief tutorial on this assessment.
- As you work on this assessment, refer to the 7864 Data Set Instructions [PDF] file for information on variables used in this course.
- Provide a title for your document and your name.
Download the 7864 data set, grades.jasp, which is a sample data set, and save it to your computer. The data represent a teacher's recording of student demographics and performance on quizzes and a final exam. For this assessment, you will create and describe two histograms and a descriptives table using these data.
Section 1: Histograms for Visual Interpretation
Using the final and lowup variables in your grades.jasp data set, create two histograms and paste them into your Word document:
Variables and Definitions
| Variable | Definition |
|---|---|
| Lowup | lower division =1; Upper division =2 |
| Final | Final exam: number of correct answers |
Create:
- A histogram for lower division.
- A histogram for upper division.
Briefly describe what a visual inspection of this output tells you about the shape of the distributions.
Section 2: Calculate Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion
Using the grades.jasp file, compute descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis for gpa and quiz3.
Variables and Definitions
| Variable | Definition |
|---|---|
| GPA | Previous grade point average |
| Quiz3 | Quiz 3: number of correct answers |
Create a descriptives table and paste it into your Word document.
Under the table:
- Report the mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis for GPA and quiz3.
- Briefly describe what skewness and kurtosis tell you about these data with regard to normality.
Submit both sections of your assessment as an attached Word document.
Software
The following statistical analysis software is required to complete your assessments in this course:
Refer to the Tools and Software: JASP page on Campus for general information. Make sure that your statistical software is downloaded, installed, and running properly on your computer.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 4: Interpret the results of statistical analyses.
- Below the output, provide an accurate interpretation of histograms for lower division students and upper division students.
- Below the output, report descriptive statistics and interpret skew and kurtosis values.
- Competency 5: Apply a statistical programs procedure to data.
- Provide histograms for lower division students and upper division students.
- Provide a descriptive statistics table.
Scoring Guide
Use the scoring guide to understand how your assessment will be evaluated.
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Criterion 1
Provide histograms for lower division students and upper division students.Distinguished
Nearly flawless output.
Proficient
One to two errors noted in the output.
Basic
Multiple errors noted in the output.
Non Performance
Does not provide histograms.
Criterion 2
Below the output, provide an accurate interpretation of histograms for lower division students and upper division students.
Distinguished
Accurately interprets the histograms.
Proficient
One to two errors noted in the interpretation.
Basic
Multiple errors noted in the interpretation.
Non Performance
Does not provide an interpretation.
Criterion 3
Provide a descriptive statistics table.
Distinguished
Nearly flawless output.
Proficient
One to two errors noted in the output.
Basic
Multiple errors noted in the output.
Non Performance
Does not provide a descriptive statistics table.
Criterion 4
Below the output, report descriptive statistics and interpret skew and kurtosis values.
Distinguished
Accurately reports descriptive statistics and accurately interprets skew and kurtosis.
Proficient
One to two errors noted in the reporting of descriptive statistics and/or interpretation of skew and kurtosis.
Basic
Multiple errors noted in the reporting of descriptive statistics and/or interpretation of skew and kurtosis.
Non Performance
Does not provide descriptive statistics and/or interpret skew and kurtosis values.