Instructions
Find and select a graph or table of data (e.g., in a newspaper, magazine, webpage, other source) that has some count of some number of things or events, across years, or across months, weeks, or days. An example might be the number of cases of autism per year for some state. The data do not need to be about behavior per se, just so long as you can obtain some frequency count across some standard calendar time span. You should check with your instructor to see if you have an applicable dataset. For these data, select and obtain the appropriate chart. Use your imagination and find some interesting, fun, or unusual data, but use real data only!
Next, rechart these data onto the appropriate, assigned behavior chart (the name of the unit is the chart you need to be creating). Be sure to fill in all the available blanks on the chart, and be sure to include both the reference source in APA format to the original graph or data, and include a copy of the original graph or data (copied for educational purposes only under Fair Use). Next, attach a brief 1 to 2 page write-up about the data, indicating what, if any, differences show up from recharting, and then state your evaluation of the quality of the data source, and what inferences that you can make from the data. To infer something requires that you look at the data and notice levels, trends, and variability as well as any outliers or anomalies.
One objective for this project is for you to observe that the same dataset can be charted and viewed in a couple of different ways. No one method is necessarily “better” than another. But you should realize what a particular “view” of charted data will and will not tell you. Another objective is to add to your charting skills: You can, on your own, rechart frequency data so as to determine standard celerations over time. You may notice that by doing so that you can sometimes draw different conclusions from what the original authors drew. Or you may notice trends or changes that perhaps they did not see. A third objective is to continue to observe how events change and relate to one another across real-time.
Please see the grading rubric for more details.
Line Graph Rubric
Line Graph Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStudent provides copy of raw data (copy of original article or web page, etc. replete with its chart or data table), that have been re-charted on the paper chart.
2 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData are charted with: Phase change lines shown and labeled (when applicable). Sometimes there might be a “de facto” phase change (not official or necessarily planned). Are there any abrupt changes or gaps in the data set that could indicate a possible phase change? If so, note that on the chart.
2 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData are charted with: Data set is appropriate for display in a line graph (integrate readings).
8 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
8 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData are charted with: A minimum of 20 data points have been charted. Please rechart a full data set, not a sample of the original. (E.g., if the original data set had 55 data points, then your chart should as well.)
3 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData are charted with: Frequencies are charted within the correct chart ranges.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse APA format, with your data source cited in a Reference section at the end of your paper. The length of your paper should be determined by how well you address the following rubric points:
2 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeState or describe what event, or quantity, had been counted by the authors or researchers of the original article or dataset.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescribe the original data source (newspaper, journal article, government document, web document, etc.).
3 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvaluate the quality of the data source. In what sense would the original data source be credible? Why should anyone give it credence? (This point addresses “philosophical doubt.”)
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeState some inferences about the data: (1) describe the overall and/or most-recent change trend(s), (2) describe the bounce (variability) to the data (and note whether the variability increased or decreased over time), (3) note any frequency changes including outliers, and (4) any possible effects of events (independent variables) on the frequency or change to frequency (the dependent variables). Note, please pay particular attention to this section of your paper, because it is important that you be able to look at a chart or graph and be able to “read” it and then to draw inferences and conclusions from it. (This point addresses a skill required for Research Methods.)
15 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
15 pts
Total Points: 50
