EXPLORING

DATA
 In decision making, we use statistics although some of

us may not be aware of it. In this lesson, we make the

learners realize that to decide logically, they need to use

statistics. An inquiry could be answered or a problem could be

solved through the use of statistics. In fact, without knowing

it we use statistics in our daily activities.

Activity
 Statistics is defined as a science that studies data to be
able to make a decision. Hence, it is a tool in decision – making
process.
Statistics as a Science involves the methods of collecting,
processing, summarizing and analyzing data in order to
provide answers or solution to an inquiry.
It also needs to interpret and communicate the results of
the methods identified above to support a decision that ones
makes when faced with a problem or an inquiry.
Statistics enables us to. . .
characterize people, objects, situations, and
phenomena;
explain relationships among variables;
formulate objective assessments and
comparisons; and, more importantly
make evidence – based decisions and
predictions.
 A statistical process in making a decision providing
solutions to a problem include the following:
• Planning or designing the collection of data to answer
statistical questions in a way that maximizes information
content and minimizes bias;
• Collecting the data as required in the plan;
• Verifying the quality of the data after they were
collected;
• Summarizing the information extracted from the
data; and
• Examining the summary statistics so that insight
and meaningful information can be produced to
support decision – making or solutions to the
question or problem at hand.
 Identify which of the following questions are answerable using a
statistical process.

a. What is a typical size of a Filipino family?

( answerable through a statistical process)

[The process includes getting a representative group of Filipino families and

ask the family head as to how many members do they have in their family.
From the gathered data which had undergone a quality check a typical
value of the number of family members could be obtained. Such typical
value represents a possible answer to the question.]
b. How many hours in a day?
( not answerable through a statistical process)

c. How old is the oldest man residing in the Philippines?

( answerable through a statistical process)

[The process includes getting the ages of all residents of the country.

From the gathered data which had undergone a quality check the

highest value of age could be obtained. Such value is the answer to

the question.]
d. What is the average wage rate in the country?
( answerable through a statistical process)

[The process includes getting all prevailing wage rates in the

country. From the gathered data which had undergone a

quality check a typical value of wage rate could be obtained.

Such value is the answer to the question.]

e. How long did you sleep last night?

( not answerable through a statistical process)

f. Would Filipinos prefer eating bananas rather than apple?
( answerable through a statistical process)
[The process includes getting a representative group of Filipinos and ask
each one of them on what fruit he/she prefers banana or apple? From
the gathered data which had undergone a quality check the proportion
of those who prefer banana and proportion of those who prefer apple
will be computed and compared. The result of this comparison could
provide a possible answer to the question.]

g. How tall is a typical Filipino?

( answerable through a statistical process)