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Higher Applications of Mathematics

Statistical project support

A practical guide for planning, analysing and writing up a Higher Applications statistical project using cautious evidence-based language.

Choose a statistical question

  • Make it specific and answerable with data.
  • Use language such as 'Is there a relationship between...' or 'Is the mean different from...'

Choose suitable data

  • Check that variables match the question.
  • Mention sample size, source and possible bias.

State hypotheses where needed

  • The null hypothesis usually says there is no difference or no effect.
  • The alternative hypothesis says what you are looking for evidence of.

Select graphs and summaries

  • Use histograms or box plots for distributions.
  • Use scatter plots, correlation and regression for relationships.

Interpret RStudio output

  • Do not copy output without explaining it.
  • State what the key value, interval or p-value means in context.

Write conclusions carefully

  • Use 'This suggests...' or 'There is evidence to suggest...'
  • Avoid unsupported claims and remember correlation does not prove causation.

Explain limitations

  • Mention small samples, biased samples, missing values or measurement issues.
  • Explain how the limitation could affect the conclusion.

Report structure

  • Question, data, method, results, interpretation, conclusion, limitations.
  • Keep graphs labelled and refer to them in the writing.