Statistics 10.1 - Data Collection

Choose the correct type for the variable: The length (1 mark)

• Discrete

• Continuous

Answer explanation

Length is a measurement that can take any value within a range, making it a continuous variable. Unlike discrete variables, which can only take specific values, continuous variables can include fractions and decimals.

Choose the correct type for the variable: The time taken to repair each car (1 mark)

• Discrete

• Continuous

Answer explanation

The time taken to repair each car is measured on a continuous scale, as it can take any value within a range (e.g., 1.5 hours, 2.3 hours). Therefore, the correct type for this variable is Continuous.

Choose the correct type for the variable: The number of seats (1 mark)

• Discrete

• Continuous

Answer explanation

The number of seats is a countable quantity, meaning it can only take specific integer values (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Therefore, it is classified as a discrete variable, not continuous, which can take any value within a range.

Choose the correct type for the variable: The number of gears (1 mark)

• Discrete

• Continuous

Answer explanation

The number of gears is a countable quantity, meaning it can only take specific integer values (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Therefore, it is classified as a discrete variable, not continuous, which can take any value within a range.

Choose the correct type for the variable: The number of miles per gallon (1 mark)

• Discrete

• Continuous

Answer explanation

The number of miles per gallon is a measurement that can take any value within a range, including fractions, making it a continuous variable. Discrete variables, on the other hand, can only take specific, separate values.

There are 40 sheep on a farm. Use the best word from the list to complete the sentence: The colours of the sheep are ____ data (1 mark)

• Qualitative

• Continuous

• Discrete

Answer explanation

The colours of the sheep are described by their characteristics, making 'qualitative' the best choice. 'Continuous' and 'discrete' refer to numerical data types, which do not apply here.

There are 40 sheep on a farm. Use the best word from the list to complete the sentence: The weights of the sheep are ____ data (1 mark)

• Qualitative

• Continuous

• Discrete

Answer explanation

The weights of the sheep are continuous data because weight can take any value within a range, unlike discrete data which consists of distinct, separate values. Therefore, 'continuous' is the correct choice.

Robert says he is 13 years old. Alan says Robert’s response is continuous data. Hannah says Robert’s response is discrete data. Who do you agree with? (1 mark)

• Alan is correct because age is measured on a continuous scale

• Hannah is correct because a whole number of years is discrete data

• Both are correct because age can be continuous or discrete

• Neither is correct because age is qualitative data

Answer explanation

Hannah is correct because Robert's age of 13 is a whole number, making it discrete data. Continuous data would involve measurements that can take any value within a range, which does not apply here.

What is ‘data’ and how can we collect it?

• Data are facts or measurements about variables, collected through methods like surveys, experiments, or observations

• Data are personal opinions gathered informally from friends and social media

• Data are only numbers downloaded from the internet without any planned method

• Data are random guesses recorded without checking their accuracy

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines data as facts or measurements about variables, which can be systematically collected through surveys, experiments, or observations, unlike the other options that describe informal or inaccurate methods.

For the following investigation, state the population that is to be considered: What do pupils of Aldersley think of the school dinners?

• All pupils at Aldersley

• A sample of 30 pupils at Aldersley

• All teachers at Aldersley

• Parents of Aldersley pupils

Answer explanation

The question asks for the opinions of pupils regarding school dinners. Therefore, the population to consider is 'All pupils at Aldersley', as they are the ones directly affected by the school dinners.