What Is a Data Project?

A data project is an exercise in carrying out a statistical investigation. It includes the formation of a question, the collection of data, the analysis of data and a conclusion that answers the original question. Sounds kind of like the scientific method, doesn’t it?

Why Do a Data Project?

Data projects allow students to see and do all phases of a statistical investigation. It integrates information the students have learned with real-life problems that they are trying to solve. The concept should help them understand that they can use information from data projects to make life decisions.

What Types of Projects Are There?

Projects can either be formed around a survey or around an experiment. A survey asks participants questions that will help the surveyor to solve the problem. If a survey asks every member of a population, that survey becomes a census. We’re all familiar with the U.S. Census, which is supposed to get data from every person in the United States. Another example of a census is if you want to know what the favorite food is of the people in your class, and you ask everyone in your class, your class becomes the population. If you only ask some of the people in the population, or a sample of the population, that is called a sample survey. The wording of the questions is very important. An experiment is an “event” that is designed to get information about the question you have posed.

What Are the Essential Concerns of a Data Project?

When creating a data project, these concepts should be considered:

1. What is the question to be answered?

2. How will you select your sample (from the target population) and how many will you ask?

3. How will you collect your data? How will you assure randomness?

4. What graphs and charts will you make to show your data?

5. What does each graph say?

6. What conclusions can you draw from your data?

7. Are there things you would do differently or are there future topics that should be studied?

What Are Some Key Concepts in Doing Data Projects?

1. Collect your own data.

2. Remember the difference between measurement data (quantitative) and categorical data (qualitative). Use measurement data as much as possible.

3. Projects are best done in groups, with everyone sharing both the original idea and the work in finding the conclusion.

4. Make sure the following basic elements of graphs are complete:

The type of graph you make fits the data you gathered

The axes are labeled

The graph has a title

The intervals on the axes are consistent

5. The data collected really supports the conclusion you reach.

6. An oral presentation of the project gives the experience of speaking mathematically about project ideas.