Statistics
Collecting Data
Turn on the TV or flip through a newspaper, and you’ll often spot statistics in action. For example:
- Su averages 14.6 points per basketball game.
- Last year was the hottest on record since 1897.
Definition Statistics
Statistics is all about collecting information, sorting it out, summarizing it, and figuring out what it means.
Method Collecting Data
To collect data, follow these steps:
- Ask each student your question, like "What is your favorite pet?"
- Write down what each student says. You can:
- Write their name next to their answer (e.g., "Emma: Dog").
- Or use tally bars to count the answers (e.g., draw a tally mark for each "Dog").
Representing Data
Definition Pictograph
A pictograph uses pictures or symbols to show data.
Example
| 5 |  | |||
| 4 |  | | ||
| 3 | | | ||
| 2 | | |  | |
| 1 |  | | | |
| Lemon | Orange | Apple | Cherry |
- Lemon: 1 student.
- Orange: 4 students.
- Apple: 5 students.
- Cherry: 2 students.