Data Analysis

• Strength of the mean is that all of the data is used so it is an accurate representation of the data. Most representative measure of central tendency.

  Weakness of the mean is that extreme scores can distort the value so it should not be used when the data contains outliers.
• Strength of the median is that extreme values do not distort the values so it is robust.

  Weakness is that is can be difficult and time consuming to calculate the value with a large data set. It is less representative than the mean.
• Strength of the mode is that we can use it when data is not numerical since it allows for the analysis of the most commonly occurring category.

  Weakness is that there may not accurately represent the data set especially when there is no popular answer.
• Bar Charts

  • discrete data
  • columns do not touch
• Pie Charts

  • discrete data
  • 6 categories or less
• Line Graphs

  • continuous data
  • comparing 2 or more categories
  • shows change over time
• Scatter Diagrams

  • continuous data
  • relationship between 2 variables
• Histograms

  • continuous data
  • columns touch
  • area = frequency
  • y axis = frequency density
• When writing a conclusion you must include:

  1. State a finding using raw data
  2. Explain what this data means in the context of the study
  3. Make an inference as to why