This is the fourth in a series of statistical articles for mathematics teachers. In this article, the authors discuss topics in General Mathematics in Unit 2 Topic 1 (Univariate data analysis and the statistical investigation process) and topics in Essential Mathematics, Unit 2 Topic 1 (Representing and comparing data).

Using statistical literacy skills to determine appropriate scales to be used on graphs is an essential part of numeracy. Using several meaningful contexts, this article explains very clearly when it is appropriate and inappropriate to begin the scale of a graph at zero.

Every day, students collect, organize, and analyze data to make decisions. In this data-driven world, people need to assess how much trust they can place in summary statistics. The results of every survey and the safety of every drug that undergoes a clinical trial depend on the correct application of appropriate statistics. Recognizing the…

Blind students are bound to make up a very small part of the population most university lecturers will encounter during their careers. Research to date shows that good communication between staff and student improves the chances of a successful outcome for both parties. The research does show, however, that the exercise seems to be one of…

Recognizing and interpreting variability in data lies at the heart of statistical reasoning. Since graphical displays should facilitate communication about data, statistical literacy should include an understanding of how variability in data can be gleaned from a graph. This paper identifies several types of graphs that students typically…

This study reports from a pre-service teacher's online learning and assessment activity on determining variability of two graphical artefacts. Using a critical-analytical perspective to data, the present study indicates that the prospective teachers surveyed showed awareness of relevant subject specific operators and methods; however, these seem…

As anyone who has taught or taken a statistics course knows, statistical calculations can be tedious and error-prone, with the details of a calculation sometimes distracting students from understanding the larger concepts. Traditional statistics courses typically use scientific calculators, which can relieve some of the tedium and errors but…

The purpose of this study is to determine whether educators believe mathematics should be taught to liberal arts students, what topics are taught in liberal arts mathematics courses, and what the motivation is for teaching such topics. The study consists of two parts, a review of the opinions of educators regarding liberal arts mathematics, and a…

The fortunes of chance and data have fluctuated in the mathematics curriculum in Australia since their emergence in the National Statement in the early 1990s. Their appearance in Australia followed closely on similar moves in the United States. In both countries the topics, taken together, were given a section status equal to other areas of the…

Recounts 6th grade students' investigations of combinations and graph theory that arose from a claim made on a Steak'n Shake menu. (YDS)

Provides an algorithm for determining the median and quartiles of discrete data sets. Describes the graphical equivalent of the numerical method. (JM)

Discussed are programs for the TRS-80 to draw vertical and horizontal bar graphs. A short set of exercises is included. (MP)

The author presents a method of producing a scatter diagram of data on two variables with Pearson product moment correlation of .50; he also provides a proof that the method will work for any number of data pairs. (SD)

Weather data gathered from the local newspaper can be used in teaching a unit on statistics. (SD)

Use of Logo to teach statistical ideas is proposed for students in grades 5-10. Procedures and diagrams are suggested, with program listings for four models for graphs. (MNS)