Handling Data project- Mayfield High School

I will represent the whole population and it is therefore important to avoid bias and so therefore I will be using stratified random sampling. Using this method of sampling will mean the population of years 7 and 11 will have an equal chance of being selected, and this avoids bias. The reasons for choosing to compare the heights and weight of years 7 and 11 pupils is so that it is easer o recognise the relationship between height and weight as there is a significant amount of difference between the years.

There is a possibility of problems arising, such as insufficient data. Therefore when taking samples adequate precautions must be taken to ensure accurate information. The data can also be inaccurate and this may lead to anomalies.

I will now show how I have selected the pupils' heights and weights in years 7 and 11 using the method of stratified sampling.

Year group

Boys

Girls

Total number of pupils

7

51

31

282

1

84

86

70

Total of years 7+11=

452

Method of stratified sampling

The number of pupils of any gender in a year group X by sample size

Total number of pupils from a yea group to be sampled

Year 7 boys (151 pupils) X sample size (60)= 20 pupils

Total pupils (452 pupils)

Year 7 girls (131 pupils) X sample size (60)= 18 pupils

Total pupils (452 pupils)

Year 11 boys (84 pupils) X sample size (60)= 11 pupils

Total pupils (452 pupils)

Year 11 girls (86 pupils) X sample size (60) =11 pupils

Total pupils (452 pupils)

Method of presentation- I will present my data using tables and graphs. After it is arranged, tabulated and presented I will be able to make meaningful analysis and interpretations. It will also be easier to compare the differences between the heights and weights of pupils in Years 7 and 11. By observing my graphs for instance a scatter graph I will be able to identify any anomalies or any significant connection between heights and weights of pupils. I will try and use measures of central tendency such as standard deviation and mean median and mode to measure how far from the mean the data is spread.

For my conclusion I expect to achieve the following:

* The heights and weights for year 1 pupils will be greater than the year 7 pupils.

* If the height and weight has a connection, then if pupils grow taller then the weight will most probably increase too. You would expect the pupils to grow taller during the years 7 and 1 they weight is likely to increase. We will be seeing a significant amount of difference between the weights and eights of pupils in years 7 and 11.

* When analysing the data, I will determine whether there is a relationship between the height and weight by analysing how strong the correlation is between the variables.

* I expect some anomalies as in some cases the weight and height will not be proportional e.g. Pupils may be short in height and yet over weight.