Using Descriptive Statistics to Solve Real-World Problems
Small actions can have big consequences. Consider bicycle gears. Depending on the state of the chain between the foot pedals to the rear wheel, a little effort on the former can mean a large rotation in the latter. The reverse can also be true. There is often a similar relationship in datasets between central tendencies (the core trends) and the variables.
This discussion requires you to apply your knowledge about types of descriptive statistics, specifically, measures of central tendency and measures of variability/dispersion.
To Prepare:
- Consider the Income Data_50 U.S. States and Washington DC_2013-2018 dataset from the Learning Resources.
- Based on the variables and the dataset (including state data) provided in the Learning Resources, compute measures of central tendency (i.e., mean, median, and mode) and measures of variability/dispersion (i.e., range and standard deviation).
- For students using the PSPP statistical software program, review the Learning Resources document Working with Datasets Job Aid for information about how to complete the tasks identified in the To Prepare and Post activities.
By Day 4,
Post your response, in which you compare central tendency and variability/dispersion for two states for the complete span of 6 years. What does this comparison indicate? Post tables containing relevant data to support your comparison response.
