DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS PART I: NORMAL CURVES, VARIABILITY, AND PLOTTING
For the Second SLP, using the data that you collected for the Module 1 SLP, please do the following:
- Calculate the mean, median, and mode of the measurements taken in Module 1 SLP. Be sure to express each value of central tendency in units.
- Discuss whether the values are higher or lower than you would have expected.
- State which measure of central tendency you think most accurately describes the variable that you measured. Provide a thorough explanation.
- Conduct a scholarly search on the internet to find reported health statistics on the variable that you are measuring. For example, if you are measuring your total daily caloric intake, American Dietetic Association. Identify the source.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Use the information in the modular background readings as well as resources you find through ProQuest or other online sources. Please be sure to cite all sources and provide a reference list at the end of the paper. Submit the paper as a Word document through the link provided for the assignment.
Length: 2-3 pages typed and double-spaced.
Your Case paper will be further evaluated based on the following criteria:
Precision (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Each question and or assignment requirement is addressed in the paper.
Accuracy of your answers, key points and supporting discussion
Clarity (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
The paper is well organized, concise, reads clearly, and it is not confusing.
Breadth (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
The paper presents appropriate breadth covering the assignment questions/requirements.
Depth (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Presents key points that lead to deeper matters and issues.
Integrates several points into coherent conclusions.
Critical Thinking (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
The paper demonstrates good understanding and synthesis of the module background material.
Logically incorporates key concepts presented in the background material into the overall analyses, key points and supporting discussions.
Presents well-reasoned conclusions and position as well as convincing arguments in support of the same.
Writing Mechanics
Grammar (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Spelling (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Vocabulary (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Referencing (Excellent; Good; Average; Poor)
Additional considerations to keep in mind while working on your Case Assignments:
Originality and Use of directly quoted material
The purpose of each assignment is for you to present your understanding and synthesis of the background material and key concepts. Accordingly, this must be accomplished substantially in your own words.
Use directly quoted material sparingly and only when preserving the exact words of an author is necessary. For purposes of this course, rarely should directly quoted material represent more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your entire case paper's content. Composing a paper patched together from mostly quoted material is not acceptable.
Be sure to properly reference all directly quoted material and include the in-text citations. All paraphrased information also requires reference citations at the end of the paraphrased section.
Your specific assignment for this week is to select one type of quantitative health datum to collect from your own life. Some examples of data to collect could be:
- How many minutes do you spend exercising each day?
- What is your total daily caloric intake in calories?
- What is your resting heart rate in beats per minute?
- How many ounces of water do you drink each day?
- What is your estimated total caloric expenditure from exercise each day?
- What is your estimated daily intake of saturated fat in grams?
- If you have the equipment available, you could even take measurements of your blood pressure. Be sure to choose something that varies measurably from day to day.
Task: Describe the data you are going to collect. Be sure to specify the units of measurement, and state how it will be gathered. Start collecting data today so you have can have at least 15 observations, preferably more.