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Topic: Statistical Measures (Higher - Unit 1)

Specification References: S4.4

S4.4 Compare distributions and make inferences.


Candidates should be able to:

  • compare two diagrams in order to make decisions about an hypothesis
  • compare two distributions in order to make decisions about an hypothesis by comparing the range, or the inter-quartile range if available, and a suitable measure of average such as the mean or median.

Notes

Any of the charts and diagrams from S3.2h could be used as a basis for comparing two distributions.

Examples

  1. From two box plots:
    Compare the data for the yield of plants with and without fertiliser.
    (median and inter-quartile range comparisons expected)

view more examples

  1. 19 runners complete a marathon.
    The times of the professional athletes are (in minutes):

    133    134    136    139    141    143    144    145    151    158

    The times of the amateur athletes are (in minutes):

    139    147    151    152    159    161    167    178    182

    Compare the times of the two groups of athletes.


  2. The table shows the number of diners at each hotel table at 8pm on Monday night and 8pm on Friday night.

    8pm Monday night 8pm Friday night
    Number Frequency   Number Frequency  
    0 8   0 0  
    1 12   1 0  
    2 3   2 16  
    3 1   3 2  
    4 1   4 5  
    6 0   6 2  

    Compare the numbers at tables at these times.