1. Math AllianceOctober 25, 2011 S TATISTICAL Q UESTIONS : A NOTHER L OOK

2. C HARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD S TATISTICAL Q UESTION  Statistical questions:  specify populations  address measurements of interest  anticipate answers based on data that vary.

3. H OW DO WE GET FROM “G OOD ” STATISTICAL QUESTIONS TO “G REAT ” S TATISTICAL Q UESTIONS ? It’s as easy as A, B, C… GAISE Report, pp. 14-21

4. T HE GAISE F RAMEWORK D EVELOPMENTAL L EVELS A, B, C FOR EVOLVING STATISTICAL CONCEPTS  The three levels roughly parallel preK-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade bands.  However, the Framework levels are based on experience, not age.  Level A…learning is more teacher driven  Level B…learning becomes more student centered  Level C…learning is highly student driven  Hands-on, active learning is predominant throughout.

5. D ISTINCTION OF L EVELS  The depth of understanding and sophistication of methods used increases across the levels For example,  a level A class may collect data to answer questions about their classroom (restricted to the classroom)  a level B class may collect data to answer questions about their school (not restricted to the classroom)  a level C class may collect data to answer questions about their community and model the relationship between, say, housing prices and geographical variables such as the location of their schools (seeks generalization)

6. D ISTINCTION OF L EVELS  Word Length Example:  Level A: How long are the words on this page? Question restricted to the classroom  Level B: Are the words in a chapter of a fifth- grade book longer than the words in the chapter of a third-grade book? Question not restricted to the classroom  Level C: Do fifth grade books use longer words than 3 rd grade books Question seeks generalization.

7. D ISTINCTION OF L EVELS  At your table, develop Level A, B and C Questions:  Topic: Popular Music: Level A: Level B: Level C:

8. A PPLICATION  With your Statistical Poster Project partner, meet with another group.  Share your question with the other group.  As a foursome, determine if it is a Level A, B, or C question.  If it is level A or B, try to modify the question so that it is a Level C question.  Repeat with the other groups question