Back to Evaluate reports based on data — Problem 4 · Task Set 17

Exercises: Evaluate Reports Based on Data

Each report below makes a claim from data. Work through the four lenses: (1) the sample — who was studied and how were they chosen; (2) the design — does it license association only, or causation; (3) the uncertainty — is a sample size, margin of error, or significance disclosed; and (4) the display — is any graph honest. Write explanation answers in complete sentences. A causal verb ("causes," "raises") needs a randomized experiment; an observational study supports association only.

Grade 11·23 problems·~35 min·Common Core Math - HS Statistics and Probability·group·hss-ic-b-6

Work through problems with immediate feedback

Fluency: One Lens at a Time

Apply a single lens to each short report.

An ad claims a supplement makes you "40% more alert." Applying the uncertainty lens, which two pieces of information do you most need before this percentage can be judged as evidence?

The sample size (how many people) and the baseline/measure the 40% is computed from.

The brand name and the price of the supplement.

Nothing more; "40% more alert" is precise enough to trust.

Only the color of the packaging used in the study.