Math 203 Project
This project will consist of information that we have done throughout the semester. This project, which is optional, will replace your lowest test grade.
You may only use quantitative data for this project.
The final project should be written in paragraph form, but should include all the information listed below. Obviously, it will contain graphs and charts, but do not present the information as individual numbered problems. Think of it as if you were writing an article to go into a newspaper or magazine.
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First, decide on a random variable that you are interested in knowing more about. You will be gathering data for this variable. You may do your own survey to get the data (use sampling techniques described in chapter 1) or you may use data found online. Your sample size should be no smaller than 10 and no larger than 50. Define your population and describe how you got your sample data set. Include the raw data in your report.
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Is your data discrete or continuous?*** Is your data nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio?
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Construct a frequency distribution for your data set using between 5 and 7 classes. What is your class width? Construct a histogram, frequency polygon and ogive for your data set; labeling each graph appropriately. Describe the shape of your data (i.e. Is it symmetrical, skewed right or skewed left?).
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Calculate the measures of central tendency for your sample (mean, median, mode and midrange).
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Calculate the measures of variation for your sample (range, variance and standard deviation).
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Use Chebyshev’s Theorem to find the range in which at least 75% of the data fall.
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Identify the five-number summary and find the interquartile range. Construct a boxplot of your data set. Does your data contain any outliers (use specific criteria to determine)?
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Construct two probability questions about your data and solve each. Here, you are creating both the problem and the solution. Examples below:
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For discrete data: P(exactly X) ; P(at least X); P(at most X); P(less than X); P(more than X)
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For continuous data: P(X between 2 values); P(more than X); P(less than X)
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Construct a 90% confidence interval for the population parameter from your data (include the critical value).
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Construct a hypothesis test using your data. Here, you will be making a guess about the population parameter. Show both the traditional method (critical value) and p-value method. Use a level of significance of 0.05.
NOTE: The final project must be neat, organized and easy to read.
I will NOT accept nor grade any rough drafts or scratch work!!!
If you are familiar with computer software like Excel, you may use that, otherwise graphs may be done by hand. If you would like a couple of sheets of graph paper, please come by my office.
*** It does not matter what you choose here. If it is discrete, you may have to make some adjustments for some of the steps. For example, if your variable is how many pets someone has; then when you get to confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, you will have to redefine the variable as a yes-no (success-failure) type of variable: it could be the proportion of people who have a pet or the proportion of people who have at least 3 pets, etc…. As long as you define what you are counting, you can complete all the steps.
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