Back to Evaluate reports based on data — Problem 2 · 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

Warm-Up: Taking a Report Apart

These problems review the parts of a report and the IC vocabulary you already know.

In the same coffee report, the "15% higher" came from comparing students who chose to drink coffee with students who chose not to. No one was assigned to a coffee or no-coffee group. What type of study is this?

An observational study, because the groups were self-selected, not randomly assigned.

A randomized experiment, because two groups were compared.

A sample survey with random selection.

A simulation of exam scores.