Statistical Questions and Types of Data

Students in 5th grade identify the number of pets that live at their house.

• Categorical

• Change over time

• Numerical

Students record how long they can keep their eyes open without blinking in seconds.

• Categorical Data

• Numerical Data

• Change Over Time

Students respond to a survey where they identify whether they prefer to write with pencils, pens, markers, or type.

• Categorical Data

• Numerical Data

• Change Over Time

A class collects data on which place they would like to visit for a vacation.

• Categorical Data

• Numerical Data

• Change Over Time

Students identify the number of pets that live at their house.

• Categorical Data

• Numerical Data

• Change Over Time

Which is a statistical question that could be asked about the kids in this picture? (more than one answer possible)

• How many kids are there in the picture?

• What are their ages?

• How old is the youngest kid?

• How many pets does each kid have?

What statistical question could have been asked to gather the data found in this line plot?

• How many dogs do the students in the class have?

• How old are the dogs in the dog pound?

• What is the weight of the dogs in the neighborhood?

• What type of dog do the families in Mr. B's class have?

What is the statistical question that was asked to gather the data found in this line plot?

• How many books did the students in the class read last summer?

• How many pages are in the books you read last summer?

• How many kids in the class read books last summer?

• How old are the kids in the class?

Explain why this question is not a statistical question: "How many students at MSGA have green eyes?

• It isn't statistical because not very many kids have green eyes.

• It isn't statistical because it's impossible to get this information.

• It isn't statistical because this data would be useless and irrelevent.

• It isn't statistical because there is no variability in the response; there is only one correct answer.

How is a statistical question different from a non-statistical question?

• A statistical question has only one correct answer.

• A statistical question has a variety of possible answers.

• A statistical question does not need a question mark after it.

• Statistical questions are not used to gather data.