Descriptive Statistics

In this week's assignment, you will have a chance to start using statistical software, so you'll want to get that installed if you haven't already. You'll get some practice running some simple descriptive statistics and navigating the program. Your readings and the 7864 Course Study Guide [PDF] will help you in your efforts.

Your first statistical software assignment includes two sections in which you will do the following:

Create two histograms.

Calculate measures of central tendency and dispersion.

This will give you some experience with the data set.

Key Details and Instructions

Submit your assignment as a Word document.

Refer to the JASP Step-by-Step: Histograms and Descriptive Statistics [PDF] document for additional help in completing this assignment.

View JASP Speedrun: Descriptive Statistics [Video] for a brief tutorial video on this assignment.

View Deeper Dive Descriptive Statistics [Video] for a longer video on how to interpret the statistical software output.

As you work on this assignment, refer to the 7864 Data Set Instructions [PDF] document for information on variables used in this course.

Download the 7864 data set, grades.jasp, which is a sample data set, and save it to your computer. This data file is used in all four papers (Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, & Week 8).

Part 1

Create two histograms for visual interpretation using the following variables:

Variable Definition

Lowup Lower division =1; Upper division =2

Final Final exam: number of correct answers

Create two histograms and paste them into your Word document:

A histogram for lower division students.

A histogram for upper division students.

Briefly describe what a visual inspection of this output tells you about the shape of the distributions.

Part 2

Create a descriptives table to assess measures of central tendency and dispersion using the following variables:

Variable Definition

GPA Previous grade point average

Quiz3 Quiz 3: number of correct answers

Create a descriptives table and paste it into your Word document.

Under the table:

Report the mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis for GPA and quiz3.

Briefly describe what skewness and kurtosis tell you about these data with regard to normality.

Submit both sections of your assignment as an attached Word document.