TALK BACK TO STATISTICS

Achievement Standard 2.11

• Evaluate a statistically based report with justification and insight

• Identify sampling and possible non-sampling errors in surveys including polls

Statistical Literacy ?• “ statistical literacy relates to two interrelated components,

primarily (a) people’s ability to interpret and critically evaluate statistical information, data-related arguments, or stochastic phenomena,…..and (b) their ability to discuss or communicate their reactions to such statistical information. “

• ( Gal, 2002)

• "…understanding the basic language of statistics (e.g., knowing what statistical terms and symbols mean and being able to read statistical graphs), and understanding some fundamental ideas of statistics."

• ( Gaise Report, 2007)

Statistical Literacy

• “ …the ability to interpret and evaluate critically statistical information in a variety of contexts and from a variety of media. It is also the ability to communicate that interpretation in a way that can impact decision-making” • ( Watson, 2006)

2.11 Overview

•Prior knowledge• Student preparation for Unit• Importance of Context• Evaluation of Reports•Different forms of assessment

delivery•Challenges

CONTEXT

• Contextual knowledge is essential• Select a context that is appropriate for

your students• In practice assessments encourage

students to research topic before starting evaluation of report• Share knowledge discovered in brainstorm

session• Potential for cross-curricular project

EVALUATION OF REPORTS• Develop a set of worry questions to include sampling

problems, questionnaire design & delivery etc.

• Explore probability misconceptions . For example, equiprobability bias, expression of probabilities

• Research different types of data display. Technology allows students to be more innovative than the traditional bar chart, histogram, pie chart etc.

• Get students to write their own reports of a data set complete with headlines and charts.

Who do you believe?• No evidence cell phones

cause cancer : US oncologist - The Hindu BusinessLine News

• Link found between cell phone use and increase in brain tumours - WHO

“Worry Questions”• Examples• Who is the data about? Who or what was studied?• Where did the data come from? Who paid for the investigation or research? How was it

collected?• Was a sample used? How was it sampled? Was the sample randomly selected and is it

representative? • How reliable or accurate is the data? What measurements or questions were asked?

Have measurements or terms been defined?• What is the shape of the distribution of the data? Have they used the correct summary

statistics for the type of distribution?• Are there any outliers? What can you conclude from any outliers?• If there is a graph drawn – has it been drawn appropriately?• Are the claims made sensible and supported by the data? If a claim is made is it justified

by facts?• Can you suggest any extra information or calculations that should have been carried out

in order to evaluate the issue in question?• Are there any alternative explanations from causes not discussed that might result in a

different interpretation of the data?

Assessment

• COMMUNICATION !

• Powerpoint slideshow•Written report•Wiki page• Poster•Oral presentation – speech• Innovative data display

Challenges

• Different methods of assessment delivery• Authenticity of work• Potential for cross-curricular study• Availability of resources

Useful Websites

Evaluation of statistical reports

• http://www.mercurynie.com.au/mathguys/mercury.htm• http://www.simerr.educ.utas.edu.au/numeracy/default.html• www.statschat.org.nz • www.offsettingbehaviour.blogspot.com• www.thestatsblog.wordpress

• Innovative Data Display• www.coolinfographics.com• www.infographicsshowcase.com• http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/08/02/data-visualization-

modern-approaches/

Over to You !• GROUP ACTIVITY

• TWO REPORTS with apparently opposing views. Is the evidence convincing ?

• Report Back – Are you convinced by the headline. What evidence was presented to convince you?

• Are you sceptical of the headline claims ? What evidence was presented that you are unsure of ?

• CONCLUSION – Will the article affect the way you use a cell-phone ?

Importance of Statistical Literacy ?

HG WELLS “ Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read or write.” ( end of 19th century)