Statistics Essay
Formal Writing Assignment 1 Prof. Yeung
1
Critical Thinking Writing Assignment
Assignment details: In this writing assignment you are to write at least 3 full pages (double
spaced) to interpret frequency distribution data and make decision on how to present the data.
The paper should be formatted at introduction, paragraphs, and conclusion.
McKee and Ptacek (2001) asked 90 college students about a time they had “delivered bad news”
to someone. The table below shows the results for the type of bad news given. Using the data
that follow answer the questions listed after the table.
Descriptive Statistics for the Type of News Given
Category Frequency Percentage
Relationship with family 19 21.1
School 1 1.1
Job/work 6 6.7
Relationship with girlfriend or boyfriend 17 18.9
Personal health 1 1.1
Finance 1 1.1
Health of family member or friend 21 23.3
Other 23 25.6
Totals 90 100%
1. Explain the idea of a frequency table to a person who had never had a course in statistics.
2. Explain the general meaning of the pattern of results.
3. What would be the appropriate graph(s) to display the data that is given above. Discuss your
reasoning why you would select the graph of choice to display the data. If there are more
than one graph(s) that can be displayed, discuss the implication of each.
4. Create your graph(s) using excel program. Use YouTube as a resource to learn how to create
the graphs on excel.
5. Use your graph(s) to make inference about the data that is being displayed. Be specific!
6. Discuss the benefit of each graph(s) and compare the difference between the graph(s) display
of the data.
Grading: The essay will be part of your writing assignments grade. It will be worth 3% of your
final course grade. I will judge the essay on the following criteria:
Style, clarity, and mechanics of writing
Your statistical reasoning and accuracy
Please refer to the rubric for more details.
Due date: This assignment must be submitted on Blackboard BY THE END OF THE DAY on
Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Formal Writing Assignment 1 Prof. Yeung
2
References
McKee, T.E., & Ptacek, J.T. (2001). I’m afraid I have something bad to tell you: Breaking bad
news from the perspective of the giver. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 31, 246 –
273
CriticalThinking Assignment Rubric Name: ___________________________________
Beginning
(2 points)
Developing
(3 points)
Competen
t
(4 points)
Accomplished
(5 points)
W
r
it
in
g
Vocabulary/Language
Words used
incorrectly; displays
fundamental errors
in vocabulary usage;
lacks variety.
Generally correct
usage but little
variety; some variety
but words used
incorrectly.
The majority
correctly used with
some variety in
vocabulary.
Varied vocabulary;
correct and
sophisticated use of
language.
Conventions
mechanics, spelling, sentence
structure, word forms
(problems noted below)
Many serious errors
which persistently
interfere with
meaning.
Some serious errors
that may interfere
with meaning.
A few errors which
do not interfere with
meaning.
No serious errors; few
minor errors.
Organization
Includes: appropriate length &
formatting, order (logical,
chronological, etc.) and
transitions
No clear structure;
organizational
requirements not
met.
Some structure and
order evident;
minimally, an
introduction, body,
& conclusion
present.
Generally well-
organized; clear and
logical flow of
ideas. Fulfills the
assignment.
Well-organized with
appropriate structure
and smooth transitions.
Content
Includes addressing the assigned
topic
Lacks thesis;
incomplete
development of
evidence and/or
minimal relevance
to topic.
May lack thesis.
Some evidence
underdeveloped or
off-topic.
Has supporting
evidence and
examples for thesis.
Strong, convincing
evidence to support
thesis and argument.
Missing
(0 – 1 points)
Beginning
(2 points)
Developing
(3 points)
Competent
(4 points)
M
a
th
C
o
n
te
n
t
C
r
it
ic
a
l
th
in
k
in
g
Explanation of Statistical
concepts
Does not explain the
frequency table,
and/or the general
meaning of the pattern
of the results.
Minimally explains
the frequency table,
and the general
meaning of the pattern
of the results.
Sufficiently explains
the frequency table,
and the general
meaning of the pattern
of the results.
Completely and correctly
states explains the
frequency table, and the
general meaning of the
pattern of the results.
Display of Graph(s) and
Explanation
Does not explain the
reasoning of the
graph(s) of choice to
display the data,
and/or missing
graph(s).
Minimally explains
the reasoning of the
choice of graph(s) to
display the data. The
graph(s) contains
major errors.
Sufficiently explains
the reasoning of the
choice of graph(s) to
display the data. The
graph(s) is correct
with minor errors.
Completely and correctly
explains the reasoning of
the choice of graph(s) to
display the data. The
graph(s) is completely
correct.
Missing
(0 – 1 points)
Beginning
(2 points)
Developing
(3 points)
Competent
(4 points)
M
a
th
C
o
n
te
n
t
C
r
it
ic
a
l
th
in
k
in
g
Making inference
Does not discuss the
inference from data
that exhibit in the
graph(s).
Minimally discuss the
inference from data
that exhibit in the
graph(s).
Sufficiently discuss
the inference from
data that exhibit in the
graph(s).
Completely and correctly
discuss the inference from
data that exhibit in the
graph(s).
Graphs Comparison
Does not discuss the
comparison of the
graphs that are used to
display the data.
Minimally discuss the
comparison of the
graphs that used to
display the data.
Sufficiently discuss
the comparison of the
graphs that used to
display the data.
Completely and correctly
discuss the comparison of
the graphs that are used to
display the data
Writing Problems:
Tense formation
Subject-verb agreement
Pronoun usage/agreement
Word choice/meaning
Proper modifiers
Variety of formations
Correct construction
Spelling
Capitalization
Punctuation
Font and size
Margins and spacing
Length of paper
Comments: