This worksheet brings together a full statistical investigation involving bivariate data, teaching students to plan, collect, analyse and evaluate their findings including the study's limitations. The worksheet is split into warm-up questions, standard questions and then extension questions to test you.
The concepts it covers:
- The statistical investigation cycle has 4 stages: pose a question, plan and collect data, analyse the data, and interpret/communicate the results.
- Bivariate data involves two variables collected in pairs (per subject/case), used to investigate whether a relationship exists between them.
- Choosing the right sample (size and selection method) directly affects how trustworthy an investigation's conclusions are — a larger, more representative sample gives more reliable results.
- The appropriate display depends on variable type: two numerical variables → scatterplot; two categorical variables → two-way table.
- Ethical considerations in an investigation include informed consent, privacy/anonymity, and the right to decline participation, especially with personal or sensitive data.
What your child will practise:
- Identifying the independent and dependent variables in a proposed investigation question.
- Evaluating whether a proposed sample size and selection method are likely to give reliable results.
- Calculating r and the line of best fit for bivariate data collected during an investigation, and use it to make a prediction.
- Identifying limitations of an investigation (sample size, representativeness, self-report accuracy, confounding variables) and how they affect the conclusions that can be drawn.
- Designing a complete, staged investigation plan for a given bivariate research question, including ethical considerations.
Every section opens with a worked example, and the download includes a full answer key with step-by-step solutions and teaching notes on the mistakes students most commonly make.
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