1. April 26, 2017
Data & Data Analysis
8th Grade Science

2. Observations and Data
Qualitative data: description of results of experiment.
The solution boiled.
Quantitative data: numerical data collected during the experiment. (May be expressed in a table and graph)
The temperature of the solution was 112° F.

3. Data
Discrete data is where there are only a finite number of values possible.
Ex. A 5 question quiz is given. The number of correct answers on a student's quiz is an example of discrete data. The number of correct answers would have to be one of the following : 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. There are not an infinite number of values.

4. Data
Continuous data is a type of data that is usually associated with some sort of physical measurement.
Ex. The height of trees at a nursery. Is it possible for a tree to be 76.2" tall? How about 76.29"? How about "? The possibilities depends upon the accuracy of our measuring device.
One way to tell if data is continuous is to ask yourself if it is possible for the data to take on values that are fractions or decimals. If yes, it is usually continuous data.

5. Analyze Results Calculate the measures of central tendency.
Mean: average
Median: middle
Mode: most popular
Range: distance from smallest
Modify the procedure if needed.

6. Graphs
A graph is a visual representation of data.

7. Checklist for graphs I have given my graph an appropriate title
I have correctly labeled the x-axis (including units)
I have correctly labled the y-axis (including Units)
I have subdivided the x-axis into the appropriate scale
I have subdivided the y-axis into the appropriate scale
I have correctly plotted the data

8. Bar Graphs A bar graph displays discrete data in separate columns.
Advantages
Visually strong
Can easily compare two or three data sets
Disadvantages
Graph categories can be reordered to emphasize certain effects
Use only with discrete data

9. Line Graph
A line graph plots continuous data as points and then joins them with a line. Multiple data sets can be graphed together, but a key must be used.
Independent variable on the x-axis
Dependent variable on the y-axis
Advantages
Can compare multiple continuous data sets easily
Interim data can be inferred from graph line
Disadvantages
Use only with continuous data

10. Pie chart
A pie chart displays data as a percentage of the whole. Each pie section should have a label and percentage.
Advantages
Visually appealing
Shows percent of total for each category
Disadvantages
No exact numerical data
Hard to compare 2 data sets
"Other" category can be a problem
Best for 3 to 7 categories
Use only with discrete data