Statistical project is an extremely powerful teaching tool that integrates numerous concepts and skills presented in the classroom. Here are some basic guidelines for developing a statistical project.
A statistical project is the process of answering a research question using statistical techniques and presenting the work in a written report. The research question may arise from any field of scientific endeavor, such as athletics, advertising, aerodynamics, or nutrition. A project differs from a statistical poster in that a written report is used to present the findings.
The process of developing a statistical project should demonstrate the scientific method and pose a focused question or questions, collect appropriate data, analyze the data thoughtfully, and draw correct conclusions.
Because students are asking questions continually about what touches their lives, they should have little trouble generating questions about themselves or their schools, families, neighborhoods, or interesting phenomena in the world. Once a question is proposed, students should examine it. First, is it a question that can be answered? Second, can students collect data to answer the question or has someone else already collected data that could be used to find the answer? Once the question is chosen, data must be collected. If published data are used, students should understand how the data were obtained and record their source. Usually, students choose to collect their own data. Time should be spent deciding how to collect this data. If a survey is used, how are the people chosen to answer the questionnaire? Thoughtful analysis of the data may take many forms and should be guided by the question and how the data were collected. Usually, it is best to begin by graphing the data. Can graphs be used to give the answer to the question or questions? Most of the time, graphics have been the sole method of data analysis for grades 4-6. As students gain experience, simple statistical methods such as a chi-squared test or a t-test may be used. Regression has been used occasionally. Sometimes, estimation is most appropriate and hypothesis testing is not needed. Other methods may be used, depending on the question and data.
Once analysis is complete, the question should be answered. The data may not be able to provide a conclusive answer. Finally, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the project. What would be changed if the project was done again?