Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Introductory Statistics 2e

2.8 Descriptive Statistics

Introductory Statistics 2e2.8 Descriptive Statistics

Stats Lab

Descriptive Statistics

Class Time:

Names:

Student Learning Outcomes
  • The student will construct a histogram and a box plot.
  • The student will calculate univariate statistics.
  • The student will examine the graphs to interpret what the data implies.

Collect the Data Record the number of pairs of shoes you own.

  1. Randomly survey 30 classmates about the number of pairs of shoes they own. Record their values.
    Table 2.37 Survey Results
  2. Construct a histogram. Make five to six intervals. Sketch the graph using a ruler and pencil and scale the axes.
    A blank graph template for use with this problem.
    Figure 2.30
  3. Calculate the following values.
    1. x ¯ x ¯ = _____
    2. s = _____
  4. Are the data discrete or continuous? How do you know?
  5. In complete sentences, describe the shape of the histogram.
  6. Are there any potential outliers? List the value(s) that could be outliers. Use a formula to check the end values to determine if they are potential outliers.
Analyze the Data
  1. Determine the following values.
    1. Min = _____
    2. M = _____
    3. Max = _____
    4. Q1 = _____
    5. Q3 = _____
    6. IQR = _____
  2. Construct a box plot of data
  3. What does the shape of the box plot imply about the concentration of data? Use complete sentences.
  4. Using the box plot, how can you determine if there are potential outliers?
  5. How does the standard deviation help you to determine concentration of the data and whether or not there are potential outliers?
  6. What does the IQR represent in this problem?
  7. Show your work to find the value that is 1.5 standard deviations:
    1. above the mean.
    2. below the mean.
PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/introductory-statistics-2e/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/introductory-statistics-2e/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Jul 18, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.