Averages, range and honest charts
Two datasets can share a mean and tell completely different stories. The range, and the shape of the chart, is where the truth lives.
Part of your national curriculum
- Statistics: Describe, interpret and compare observed distributions of a single variable through appropriate measures of central tendency and spread
- Statistics: Construct and interpret appropriate tables, charts and diagrams, including bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, and vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Compare distributions using the mean and range
Key learning points
- • Mean, median, mode, range
- • Charts that mislead
This lesson at a glance
- 30 minutes
- 13 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 13
Visual introductionPicture this
Averages, range and honest charts
Two datasets can share a mean and tell completely different stories. The range, and the shape of the chart, is where the truth lives.
In a nutshell
Compare distributions using the mean and range
Explore the idea
Part 2 of 13
Learn
Mean, median, mode, range
The mean is pulled by extremes; the median is not. Range measures spread. Quote a measure of centre with a measure of spread or you have said very little.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 13
Learn
Charts that mislead
A vertical axis that does not start at zero exaggerates differences. Always read the axis before the bars.
Reset break
Part 4 of 13
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Quick check
Part 5 of 13
Quick check
Part 6 of 13
Quick check
Part 7 of 13
Reset break
Part 8 of 13
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 9 of 13
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 10 of 13
Game · Fill the gaps
Finish the sentences
Choose the word that belongs in each gap.
The mean is pulled by extremes; the ____ is not.
Challenge round
Part 11 of 13
Game · Recall cards
Increase 240 by 15%.
Card 1 of 4
Mastery quiz
Part 12 of 13
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Averages, range and honest charts
4 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Increase 240 by 15%.
2. A count drops from 200 to 150. The percentage decrease is…
3. Which multiplier applies a 7% decrease?
4. Which average is least affected by one huge value?
Lesson round-up
Part 13 of 13
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
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Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 13 · Watch & discover
How this is going
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Describe, interpret and compare observed distributions of a single variable through appropriate measures of central tendency and spread
- Not looked at yet
Construct and interpret appropriate tables, charts and diagrams, including bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, and vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data