Chapter 8 Problem Analysis

8.1 Strategies for Problem Solving

Key Skills:

  • s1 Be able to formulate a problem in a way that lends itself to statistical approaches.
  • s2 Consider different statistical approaches to a problem.

8.2 Selecting a model

Key Skills:

  • s3 Be able to select an appropriate standard distribution as a model.
  • s4 Recognise where a standard statistical procedure may be used.
  • s5 Be aware of any modelling assumptions involved in using a distribution or procedure that has been selected.

8.3 Inputs

Key Skills:

  • s6 Be able to identify what inputs a model requires.
  • s7 Be able to design a procedure for collecting the necessary input data for a model.
  • s8 Understand the sources of variability in data and their implications in the context of a model and its inputs.

8.4 Inference

Key Skills:

  • h1 Understand the process of hypothesis testing, including using the associated vocabulary.
  • h2 Be aware that large data sets can be h2 representative of underlying populations and can be used to draw conclusions.

8.5 Sampling

Key Skills:

  • s9 Know and be able to use suitable sampling methods in appropriate contexts.

8.6 Information Sources

Key Skills:

  • e1 Be able to call on factual general knowledge.
  • e2 Be able to make reasonable estimates of quantities met in everyday life without additional information.
  • s10 Be able to find and use relevant information from a variety of sources.
  • s11 Be able to evaluate critically information in public statements such as news reports and political comments.
  • s12 Be able to understand accounts of statistical work done by others and comment on its quality.