Data & Data Analysis8th Grade Science

April 21, 2023

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Observations and Data Qualitative data: description of results of experiment. The solution boiled.

Quantitative data: numerical data collected during the experiment. (May be expressed in a table and graph) The temperature of the solution was 112° F.

Data

Discrete data is where there are only a finite number of values possible.Ex. A 5 question quiz is given. The number of correct answers on a student's quiz is an example of discrete data. The number of correct answers would have to be one of the following : 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. There are not an infinite number of values.

Data

Continuous data is a type of data that is usually associated with some sort of physical measurement.

Ex. The height of trees at a nursery. Is it possible for a tree to be 76.2" tall? How about 76.29"? How about 76.2914563782"? The possibilities depends upon the accuracy of our measuring device.

One way to tell if data is continuous is to ask yourself if it is possible for the data to take on values that are fractions or decimals. If yes, it is usually continuous data.

Analyze ResultsAnalyze ResultsCalculate the measures of central tendency.Mean: averageMedian: middleMode: most popularRange: distance from smallest

Modify the procedure if needed.

Graphs A graph is a visual representation of data.

Checklist for graphs I have given my graph an appropriate title

I have correctly labeled the x-axis (including units)

I have correctly labled the y-axis (including Units)

I have subdivided the x-axis into the appropriate scale

I have subdivided the y-axis into the appropriate scale

I have correctly plotted the data

Bar Graphs A bar graph displays discrete data in separate columns.

Advantages Visually strong Can easily compare two or three data sets

Disadvantages Graph categories can be reordered to emphasize certain effects

Use only with discrete data

Line GraphA line graph plots continuous data as points and then joins them with a line. Multiple data sets can be graphed together, but a key must be used. Independent variable on the x-axis Dependent variable on the y-axis

Advantages Can compare multiple continuous data sets easily Interim data can be inferred from graph line

Disadvantages Use only with continuous data

Pie chartA pie chart displays data as a percentage of the whole. Each pie section should have a label and percentage.

Advantages Visually appealing Shows percent of total for each category

Disadvantages No exact numerical data Hard to compare 2 data sets "Other" category can be a problem Best for 3 to 7 categories Use only with discrete data