Project 01: Analyzing Student Data

At the beginning of the semester, students in both sections of QM were asked several questions. The responses from these questions were put in Excel, in the file Spring 2008 Student Data. Note that the responses in this file were entered exactly as they were received, even if the response was not entered in the requested format.

You should create a write-up which describes at least two different aspects (or relationships) in this data. Your write-up should include an informative and appropriate graph for each aspect (or relationship) which you discuss. Each graph should have an associated descriptive paragraph which explains what the graph shows about your data, and explains what trends or conclusions can be drawn using your graphs. Label your graphs using descriptive titles.

In addition, research the web for data or articles which are at least loosely related to one of the aspects of the data which you analyzed. Write a paragraph comparing your conclusions on our student data to what you found on the web.

Be sure to give the URL of the web-site(s) you used, and use your newfound skills in web-site evaluation to write a paragraph on your analysis of whether each web-site can be trusted.

Some of the metrics used to grade your paper will include:

• Inclusion of a title.
• An introductory paragraph which describes the purpose of the paper and why it is of interest.
• A coherent write-up, with transitions between different elements.
• A concluding paragraph which summarizes the main ideas of the write-up.
• Presentation (as implied above, you should use MS Word) including labeled graphs, spelling, and punctuation.
• Quality and appropriateness of graphs.
• Clarity, quality, and depth of written descriptions and explanations.
• Choice of supporting data or articles from the web.
• Clarity and accuracy of the web-site evaluation.