Understanding Statistical Questions

Which of these is an example of a big collection of data on the internet?

• Your school notice board

• Google

• A personal diary

• A whiteboard in class

Why do we use a computer to store data?

• Computers can delete data automatically

• Computers can store data safely and retrieve it easily

• Computers can make data disappear

• Computers can only store numbers

Which of these is a non-statistical question?

• What is the most common shoe size in our class?

• What is your favourite colour?

• What is the most popular lunch in our school?

• How many students are in our school?

Which of these is a statistical question?

• What is your best friend’s name?

• How many siblings do you have?

• What is the favourite fruit of students in the class?

• What is your date of birth?

A statistical question usually needs:

• Just one correct answer

• Data from many people or things

• A yes or no answer

• Only numbers

A non-statistical question usually has:

• Many possible answers

• Only one answer

• No answer at all

• Answers that change daily

What type of data is “12 students like funny stories”?

• Pictures

• Words

• Numbers

• Sounds

What type of question is “What size are your shoes?”

• Statistical

• Non-statistical

What type of question is “What is the most common shoe size in our class?”

• Statistical

• Non-statistical

Which question would help you find the favourite game of your classmates?

• What is your favourite game?

• How many students are in the school?

• Who is your best friend?

• What time is lunch?