Statistics Data Display: Star Reflection

Samantha Migliore

I completed this project for my AP Statistics course in my senior year of high school. In
preparation for this assignment, my class learned about some basic rules of probability. This included
unions, intersections, independent, and mutually exclusive events. Throughout this process, we learned
through lectures, various practice activities, and group work. However, this specific assignment was split
up into three main components. The first was a poster representing the data we had discovered. The
second was a model displaying our data in a visually appealing way and the third was a written report
which clearly indicated our findings, how we statistically proved them, and the meaning behind our
findings. After choosing a topic and devising a question, my partner and I had to collect data using both
proficient and biased sampling techniques. After this, we analyzed our data and presented it accordingly.
For a final grade, we presented in a rotary style format and answered any questions our audience had. All
in all, the purpose of this assignment was to successfully collect data, present it, and most importantly
interpret it in a way that was meaningful to us.

To go about completing this work, my partner and I first had to devise a question we would like
to research. We first thought about surveying seniors about their average coffee intake per week.
However, when there was not enough data present on this topic we had to consider another option. So,
instead we aimed to focus on addressing a growing problem within the United States. We’ve both
observed how obesity is a growing health trend within communities everywhere and since we're both
interested in studying health sciences in college, childhood obesity was a perfect fit. After this, we
obtained two different samples, using two completely opposite methods. The first being stratified, and the
second convenience. From here, using the stratified sample only, we analyzed your data by using the
mean, median, interquartile range and standard deviation as well as creating various graphs to go
alongside it. Lastly, after creating our model we recorded all this information in a written report and
presented it. Since this was an inquiry project, our main question was developed out of curiosity about
public health and concern for or community around us. A STAR skill I greatly utilized was relationships
as this was a partner project. I needed to effectively communicate with my partner to ensure the work was
being delegated appropriately and that our deadlines were being met accordingly. This obviously
contributed to the project as it made to more efficient and less time consuming to complete. Since I did
earn a proficient grade on this assignment, tenacity helped me the most as the project was very long and
tedious to get through at points. However, by taking quick breaks between each section, my efficiency
was increased and the project was ultimately completed.

All in all, this work improved myself as a thinker. I was encouraged to think outside of the box, not only
with the type of question I posed, but how to answer it and what the answers would eventually mean.
Through this project, I was able to notice various trends in obesity rates among children throughout the
United States, where the most intervention is needed, and where prevention measurements should be put
into place. I now know how to correctly and unbiasedly conduct surveys and perform statistical research.
I have learned that as long as our sample size properly represents the population we are intending to
study, then we have taken a successful and representative sample. This information will not only help me
throughout the rest of my statistics class, but it can also help me in my other classes as well as real life
when I am required to research anything. I will now take a critical view at different studies to see how
they were conducted and if they are truly biased or not.