Naomi

My Mathex Reflections 2009; You have started off with a nice, clear question to investigate- perhaps add some reason as to why you selected this issue- is it something which important to you or a group of people? Statistical surveys should have a reason. Your sample sizes are a little small- remember, your data is likely to be closely grouped together, and you may need to widen the sample in order to see a difference (if there is one!) However, you looked deeper than just gender issues, at age and you also used measures of statistical mean and range to check accuracy and look for patterns. Using a dot plot is a very good thought for this type of data- but a second graph would make your analysis even more 'in-depth'. Maybe a comparitive bar chart for the age groups and genders? Your analysis and conclusion are brief, feel confident to use the graphs or lists of data to eliminate any 'rogue' results which may sway the overall findings- and make sure you answer the question you asked. You talk (in your conclusion) about fastest group, but you need to group and average our the genders in order to respond to your original question.


 * //To use data and statistics/ To use mathematical inquiry// ||
 * Stage 1; Identify the problem and form a question || Good question BUT you need to explain why you've selected this as an issue- you should care about what you're finding out about, and feel like the new knowledge you'll find out about should make a difference to someone. ||
 * Stage 2; Plan and hypothesise || Could be in your other book. ||
 * Stage 3; Data collection || Well recorded- your grids are logical and very useful for grouping the data. ||
 * Stage 4; Analysis of data || Simple but effective- good use of bullets to pull out the key facts from your surveyed data. ||
 * Stage 5; Graphing and charting your data || Very clear- well labelled and constructed. There are some interesting patterns. It is always best to have at least 2 graph types- in order to compare and double check your findings. What other type do you think would have been appropriate? ||
 * Stage 6; Interrogating your graphed data || Brief. I noticed some startling patterns and differences across the genders and as age grew in most categories but you didn't mention it in your interrogation- look more closely and try to explain the patterns and differences in TV's in rooms and mp3 players- these results are really interesting. ||
 * Stage 7; Conclusion, answer and 'So What' || Need more info from your data- it is not sufficient to just add the number of items and use this to answer your question. What type of items/ applications does each group have? Does this change with age or gender? Look closely! ||

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