It is vitally important that students appreciate the steps involved in a complete statistical investigation. They should experience the following key aspects.
- Students should be aware that it is necessary to collect valid samples of the required data that are random, fair and representative.
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When analysing data to answer a statistical question, it is often helpful to create a graphical representation.
Students should build a repertoire of graph types and know how to select the most suitable type.
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It is also often necessary to summarise the information in a single statistic.
Students should be able to select the measure that is most appropriate for their data and the question they wish to answer.
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Making decisions about populations, based on evidence from samples, is at the heart of statistics.
Students need repeated exposure to decision-making that leads to informal inferences.
Students will use their statistical understanding outside school.
They need to develop critical thinking in contexts where statistical claims are made.
