1. Start by outlining the population that you will be able to access (Examples: your school, employees at your work, people at a place that you attend for leisure, etc.) and identify the variables that you want to study, to be asked in a survey. Consider what you are going to ask people so that you can separate the sample into two groups to compare graphs. Note: Don't use a scatter plot

Be sure to consider ethics and professionalism when choosing variables to study (ie. make sure your variables are appropriate).

2. Outline how you would sample the population. Consider 4 different ways to sample the population. You may combine several sampling techniques. Explain exactly how you would collect each sample. Compare all 4 methods and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each with regard to validity (minimize bias) and efficiency (How long it will take? How hard it will be to carry out the sample?).

3. You are asked to survey 60 people from a chosen sample and ask 2 questions. The questions need to be generated so that they minimize measurement bias and record the true beliefs of your sample. Write the two questions using a survey tool like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey.

First question: How long does it take you to shower?

5-10 mins

11-20 mins

21-30 mins

31-40 mins

Second question: You listen to music when brushing your teeth

Never

Sometimes

Usually

All the time

4. Survey the sample of the population (collect primary data) using the online survey you created and the best sampling technique you outlined.

You will divide your survey results using the responses to the one question. You will then create the graphs of the data of the two groups and discuss your conclusions from the graphs. For example, whether or not people listen to music while showering will create two groups, so you can analyze the difference in time taking a shower.

Results:

56 people said it takes them 31-40 minutes to shower and they always listen to music

4 people said it takes them 5-10 minutes to shower and they never listen to music

5. State the conclusions from the graphs and justify how you arrived at your conclusions by referring to the graphs.

Reflect on the bias that was present in your study based on what you have learned in this unit and the impact the bias may have had on your conclusions.

Reflect on the validity and reliability of your study by referring to the definitions.

6. What needs to be asked to know if a study is both valid and reliable? Use specific examples to justify why it is important to ask those questions

7. Compile the work you have done on your study into a report using word processing or spreadsheet software. Include all parts from this activity.

Here are some report templates that you can use to get started. Take some time to improve the presentation of the report before submitting.

Spreadsheet Template

Word/Docs Templat