ASA Competition AP Statistics: Final Project

What is a Project? ► You should...  Ask a question about the world around you.  Design a method to collect data to answer that question.  Summarize the data using summary statistics.  Analyze the data.  Make a conclusion that answers your initial question.  Reflect on the process. ► Then, you and your group write up your findings in a written report, averaging about 10 pages.

Ask a Question About the World Around You. ► Brainstorm ideas with your group (maximum FOUR group members). ► Think about your hobbies, music, favorite games. Have you ever had a question about something related to those things? ► Do you have a question about something you saw in the media?

Critiques Critiques should include the following questions. ► Is it possible to answer the question? ► Does the question need to be more focused? ► Are there any ethical concerns? ► How can data be collected to answer that question? ► Is the idea too complicated? (Keep it simple!) ► Is there a comparison that could be made between different groups?

Design a method to collect the data to answer your question. ► Projects that collect their own data are scored higher on the judges rubric. ► The data collection method should be discussed clearly in the paper. ► If used, surveys should be included in the appendix of the paper. ► Raw data should also appear in the appendix.

Important Concepts to Consider. ► Randomize. ► Replicate. ► Control extraneous variation.

Summarize the data using summary statistics and graphs. ► Provide appropriate graphs for the type of data. ► For quantitative data, histograms, stem and leaf plots or boxplots are good. ► For categorical data, bar charts are good. ► DO NOT use “fancy” graphics that make the graph hard to read, such as 3D graphs.

Analyze the Data ► Use appropriate methods to analyze the data. ► The expectation of the analysis is age appropriate – more is expected of HS Students (especially AP Stats Alumni)! ► The discussion of the graphics should answer the question that was selected at the beginning of the project.

Analyze the Data (con’t) ► For grades 10 – 12 th, formal statistical inference of some type is sometimes needed, such as a simple linear regression or a comparison of two independent proportions.  The null and alternative hypothesis need to be clearly stated with parameters and notation defined.  The assumptions must be checked.  Important numbers should be given such as a confidence interval or p-value.  Students should fully understand the analysis.

Make a Conclusion that Answers Your Initial Question ► You should write a conclusion based on their analysis in non-technical language that the average person could understand.

Reflect on the Process ► No projects are ever perfect. ► Your group should address any issues that you feel you should have done differently. ► Did the project have any problems that could have been avoided? ► If you were to do the project again, what would they do differently? ► Any ideas for future study?

Common Problems for Grades 10 – 12 ► Confusing and Unclear Hypothesis Statements ► Using Statistical Procedures beyond AP level Statistics and then not being able to explain the procedures adequately. A clear, simple analysis is preferred to a poorly done complicated analysis. ► Not checking assumptions. ► Do not say “Accepting the null hypothesis”. ► Interpret confidence intervals correctly. ► Interpret R-squared correctly. (% variation of y explained by x)

The Write-Up ► The projects average around 10 pages. ► Longer write-ups do not necessarily mean better projects, shorter well written projects are better. ► The paper should exhibit clear, concise writing with correct grammar and spelling. ► It should be at least 12 point font.

Projects Submitted ► The projects are submitted electronically.

Deadlines June 1 st is the new deadline for projects in the 10 th to 12 th grade

Judging ► Each project is judged by a teacher and a statistician. ► Each of the viewpoints are equally important. The teacher ensures that the students understanding is age appropriate and the statistician ensures that the statistical tests are conducted appropriately. ► The projects are divided into groups of 6 to 10 projects. ► The judges use a scoring rubric that looks at  Question  Research Design and Data Collection  Analysis of Data and Conclusions  Reflection on Process  Final Presentation  Creativity/Originality ► Each area is worth 3 points. ► The top projects out of each group are then identified.

Second Round of Judging ► Each groups top picks are then sent to the second round. ► The judges, statisticians and teachers, look at the top projects and determine the award levels. ► Great concern is taken to make sure that the data collection process and the statistical methods are handled appropriately, and to make sure that these expectations are age appropriate. Expectations are greater for the higher grade levels.

Awards ► First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention are awarded for 4 th to 6 th graders, 7 th to 9 th graders and 10 th to 12 th graders.  1 st place is awarded -- $2oo, Certificate and Plaque for school  2 nd place is awarded -- $100 and Certificate  3 rd place is awarded -- $50 and Certificate  Honorable mention -- Certificate and Ribbon ► Additionally, through the generous support of Texas Instrument, 1 st place winners and their advisors will be awarded graphing calculators.

Can a Student use a Science Fair Project? ► Yes, a student’s science fair project can be the foundation of the project submitted to the competition. ► The write-up for the ASA project competition however is different from a write-up for a Science Fair competition. ► There should be less background information given and a strong emphasis on the design and analysis of the project.

How much help is too much? ► It is o.k. to seek guidance from parents, teachers and professional scientists; however, the project needs to be student driven. ► You must understand the project completely. ► Additionally, you should acknowledge how much help was given and by whom.

GRADING FOR THIS CLASS ► 50 points for proposal (on time) ► 100 points for Research Design and Data Collection ► 100 points for Analysis of Data and Conclusions ► 100 points for Reflection on Process ► 50 Points for Creativity / Originality ► 50 Points for Assembly (looks nice, cover page, etc.) ► Final Exam - Presentation (power point)

AP Statistics Final Exam (Presentation) Your group presentation is your final exam grade (20% of semester 2 grade), so please take it seriously. The construction of the power point presentation should be easy---you are dumping pertinent information from your paper to slides. Each group member must dress professionally (shorts, jeans, flip-flops, t- shirts are not professional dress). All group members must participate in the presentation. All group members must be present BOTH days of presentations – your participation as an audience member is a part of your grade. (Tuesday and Exam Day). BORING presentations will be marked down. Things that are NOT considered boring include: pictures, charts, graphs, visual aids, inference stuff, stats, snacks for the class, etc. Presentations should: State the question Tell us how you carried out the study (think photos here) Tell us what you found for results (think charts and graphs here) Answer your question Keep the senioritis-ridden audience’s attention. I have invited various administrators to view your presentations…you never know who will show up! If you have questions……PLEASE ASK!!! See Mrs. Johnson to sign up for a presentation time ASAP!

Teacher Tips ► Make sure you emphasize the importance of choosing group members wisely! ► Allow students (groups) some time to struggle with their topic or question. ► Feel free to VETO any question or topic you feel would provide issues for the group in the time frame. ► VETO any project that is even remotely boring!!! They’ll thank you later! ► Give them room to impress you!

QUESTIONS?