How to Identify Statistical Questions

Statistical questions often have a “how many,” “how much,” or “what is the average” structure, and they require data to be answered.

For example, “How many students in our class have a pet?” is a statistical question, as it requires data to answer. On the other hand, “What is your favorite color?” is not a statistical question, as it does not involve data.

By learning how to identify statistical questions, you will be able to develop research questions that can be answered through data analysis.

This skill is important in many areas, including science, social studies, and even everyday life. For instance, when planning a school event, you might need to ask statistical questions to collect data on attendance, preferences, and feedback from participants.

A step-by-step guide to identifying statistical questions

Identifying statistical questions is an important skill that involves understanding which types of questions can be answered by collecting and analyzing data.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you identify statistical questions:

Step 1: Look for questions that ask for a number, amount, or frequency Statistical questions often have a “how many,” “how much,” or “how often” structure. These questions require data to be answered and can be used to gather information about a specific topic.

For example, “How many students in our class have a pet?” is a statistical question that requires data to be collected and analyzed to answer.

Step 2: Look for questions that ask for an average or a comparison Statistical questions may also ask for an average, a comparison, or a relationship between two or more variables. These questions can be used to explore patterns in the data and gain insights into the relationships between different factors.

For example, “What is the average height of students in our class?” is a statistical question that requires data to be collected and analyzed to find the mean height.

Step 3: Determine if the question requires data to be answered Not all questions require data to be answered. A statistical question must involve data that can be collected and analyzed. For instance, questions about personal opinions, preferences, or feelings are not statistical questions, as they cannot be answered with data.

For example, “What is your favorite color?” is not a statistical question, as it is a matter of personal preference and does not involve data.

Step 4: Determine the type of data required Statistical questions can involve either categorical or numerical data. Categorical data consists of non-numeric values such as gender, occupation, or type of pet, while numerical data is made up of numeric values such as age, height, or weight.

Step 5: Use the data to draw conclusions Once data has been collected and analyzed, it can be used to draw conclusions and make informed decisions. Statistical questions can provide valuable insights into a wide range of topics, from social issues to scientific research.

Identifying Statistical Questions – Example 1

Is this a statistical question?

How much money does Suzy spend on food in a typical week?

Solution:

To answer this question, you may need to record the amount of money Suzy spends on food every week. It might be varied from week to week.

So, it is a statistical question.

Identifying Statistical Questions – Example 2

Is this a statistical question?

What are your mother’s favorite books?

Solution:

Since there is no varied data in this question and you can answer it with a piece of data, it is not a statistical question.