L1 · Statistical questions: questions answered by collecting data; making a prediction

Learning goal

“I can tell a statistical question from a question with just one answer, and I can make a prediction before data is collected, then check my prediction against the data.”

Statistical question — a question that is answered by collecting data from many people or things. The answers can be different.

Data — the information we collect: the answers and counts.

Predict — to say what you think the answer will be BEFORE you collect the data.

Collect — to gather the data by asking, counting, or measuring.

Worked example

A Grade 3 class wants to learn about pets. Step 1 - THE QUESTION: "Which pet do students in our class like best?" This is a statistical question: we answer it by collecting answers from MANY students, and the answers can be different. Step 2 - PREDICT: before collecting, Zara predicts, "I think cats will be chosen most." A prediction is a smart guess made BEFORE the data comes in. Step 3 - NOT statistical: "How many legs does a dog have?" has one answer, and it never changes. Nobody needs to collect data to answer it. Say it plainly: statistical questions need data from many people or things. If a question has one answer that is always the same, it is not statistical.

Check yourself — explain it

Why is "Which pet do students like best?" a statistical question?

Paired problem — example still visible

Is this question statistical? "What is the favourite colour of the students in our school?" -> Yes - it is answered by collecting answers from many students, and the answers can differ

Faded completion — last step is yours

"A question is statistical when we answer it by collecting data from ___ people or things, and the answers can be ___." -> many; different

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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