Special Problem 3 – Associations of the Ridiculous
Purpose: To find 2 data sets that give a strong positive or negative association, but are unrelated. Then, find all applicable stats, and then make a big deal about it.
Group Size: Up to 4
Due: _____________
Look through almanacs, the web, etc., to find two sets of data in which the only relationship between the data sets is that the data cover the same year span. For example, Yearly SAT Math Scores and The US Median age when a man gets married the first time. (For 2004, 518, 27.4 For 2007, 515, 27.5 and so on.)
The goal is to get two sets of unrelated data (with a minimum of 6 data points) that give you a strong association. You will need to decide which is the independent variable and which is the response variable.
Find r, r-squared, and the LSRL. Use r and r-squared to verify you have a strong linear association. A residual graph will also help.
Now that you have a ridiculous association, you are going to construct a poster in which you make a big deal about this association, as if you have just discovered some all-important fact that you want everyone to know. It should make someone stop and read it, sort of like a billboard. Do not write your names on the front of the poster.
Your poster will need the following elements: A table and graph of the data. The LSRL equation and its corresponding picture on the graph. The r and r-squared values, how the slope relates to the overall situation, and your “cannot fail prediction” of what will happen when your independent variable reaches a certain extrapolated value (using your LSRL of course). So, using our SAT/Married example, one could say something like “Once the SAT math scores reach the 600 level, the US men will be getting married around the age of . . . .)
Grade breakdown: All elements present: 10%
Original data and graph 15%
Correct r, r-squared, and LSRL 10%
LSRL Graphed Correctly 15%
Correct explanation of the slope 15%
Extrapolation Prediction 10%
Overall Poster Presentation: 10%
