Statistics
Read the data. Question the story. Make the evidence clear.
Class Notes
CBE Proficiency & Achievement Indicators
Critique ways in which data is presented. (SP1)
Read the achievement indicators
The criteria at each level of proficiency are inclusive of those described at the prior levels.
Level 1
- Create a variety of graphs to represent data
Level 2
- Identify strengths and limitations of different graphs in representing a given set of data
- Choose an appropriate method for displaying data
Level 3
- Explain how the format of the given graph may lead to misinterpretation of the data
- Analyze the conclusions drawn from a graph and identify attributes of the graph that may be misleading
Level 4
- Critique and improve a graph or draw an alternate graph that is more appropriate for the data and context
- Identify conclusions that are inconsistent with a given data set and explain the misinterpretation
Transcribed from CBE, Math Assessment and Reporting Guide, January 2020, printed page 90 (PDF page 92). Creating graphs and working with percentages support this outcome; sampling and extended analysis are identified as supporting or extension work. Website practice is not a proficiency mark.
Statistics lessons
Start with data and graph choices, then investigate how presentation changes the story. Finish by building an evidence-based critique.
01Data & the questions we askDistinguish categorical and numerical data, identify a dataset’s context, and separate observations from claims.02Choosing an appropriate graphChoose a representation that suits the data, the context and the question being investigated.03Graph strengths & limitationsIdentify and explain strengths and limitations of graphs representing the same data.04Constructing clear, accurate graphsConstruct a graph with accurate values, a suitable scale, meaningful labels and a defensible graph type.05Interpreting & comparing graphsInterpret values and changes, compare representations and distinguish supported conclusions from overclaims.06How graphs can misleadExplain how graph format, scale, missing context and selective presentation can lead to misinterpretation.07Critiquing claims & improving graphsCritique and improve a graph, identify unsupported conclusions and justify corrections using data and context.
Case File: Misrepresentation
The City Data Archives needs your audit team. Match the original evidence to its story, investigate the representation and justify a separate correction. The original graphs and data remain untouched.
Open the investigation →Graphing tasks & practice
Use the original classroom tasks to compare gaming teams, investigate daily step patterns and represent lunch preferences.
More ways to explore
Use the lesson’s Graph Lab to compare bars, lines and circle graphs. Use the scale activity to test a visual claim, then write the mathematical explanation.