Final AP Statistics Project

 

Demonstrating Our Commitment to Social Justice

 

The student at graduation has acquired considerable knowledge of the many needs of local, national, and global communities and is preparing for the day when he or she will take a place in these communities as a competent, concerned and responsible member. The graduate has been inspired to develop the awareness and skills necessary to live in a global society as a person for and with others. Although this commitment to doing justice will come to fruition in mature adulthood, some predispositions have begun to manifest themselves in high school. The student:

  • is growing in awareness of selfish attitudes and tendencies which lead one to treat others unjustly; consciously seeking to be more understanding, accepting, and generous with others.
  • is beginning to see that Christian faith implies a commitment to a just society.
  • is growing in awareness of the global nature of many social problems such as human rights, population  displacement, resource distribution, war/terrorism, etc., and their impact on human communities.
  • is becoming aware, through study and reflection, of alternatives in public policy that regulate services provided to segments of the community.
  • is beginning to recognize the importance of public opinion and voter influence on public policy in local, regional, national and international arenas.
  • is beginning to engage in the public dialogue on environmental issues, practices, and solutions.
  • is beginning to understand the structural roots of injustice in social institutions, attitudes and customs.
  • is gaining, through experiences of and reflection on Christian service, an understanding of and solidarity with marginalized members of society.
  • is developing, from reflection on experiences with the marginalized, a sense of compassion and a growing understanding of those social changes which will assist all in attaining their basic human rights.
  • is beginning to understand the justice implications inherent in Christ’s commandment to love one another.
  • practices a sustainable lifestyle based on awareness of social, economic and environmental consequences.
  • is working to be environmentally responsible by limiting the use of non-renewable resources and maximizing sustainable resources.
  • has begun to reflect on social justice implications of future careers.

(JSEA, 2010)

 

The final AP Statistics project revolves around Social Justice and demonstrates your ability plan, conduct, analyze, and

technically report introductory statistical research. Social Justice is a broad theme. The intent of providing the above list is that this list will guide your research design and serve as a brainstorming focal point for research ideas, you should keep your topic simple and interesting to you.

 

The paper must be concise, cohesive, and use statistics as a tool to effectively communicate information to the reader. Write technically; creative writing or editorial commentary is not appropriate in this context. The paper will address data collection, data description, probability, and statistical inference. You may collect your own data from individuals, or use raw data that has already been collected provided that the source is reliable. Make sure that you use the data analysis and inference toolboxes.

 

Quantitative information:

  • This paper replaces a final exam; it accounts for about 20% of your final grade.
  • There is no page limit; you need to write a thorough paper that is appropriately developed in the given timeframe.
  • Failure to meet a stated checkpoint deadline will result in a 5% grade penalty per day – without exception. We will meet to check your progress:

 

Step 1 .................By Wed March 31, 2010: Understand your assignment

                        Handbook for a Statistics Project (David W. Stockburger, Missouri State University)

                        Understanding Assignments (The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Step 2 ...............By Fri May 7, 2010: Select and focus topic

                        You will need one paragraph, word processed, that summarizes your topic. Print two copies. I will keep one.

                        You will need to cite outside sources for this. Use APA or MLA,  but be consistent.

                        Citing References in Your Paper (The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison)

                        In-text Citations (Purdue University, Online Writing Lab (OWL))

                        Citing Electronic Resources (Purdue University, Online Writing Lab (OWL))

Step 3 .................Fri May 7, 2010: Write working research question

                        Developing a Research Question (SUNY)

Step 4 .................Fri May 07, 2010: Design methodology

Step 5 .................By Sat May 08, 2010: Begin data collection

                        Evaluating Internet Resources (Georgetown)

                        Note Taking Tips Keep careful notes, with source clearly indicated. (Fairfield University)

                        Alverno Library Best Web Sites for Statistics

                        Finding Web Sites (Center For Writing, University of Minnesota)

                        Student submitted sites

Step 6 ..................By Wed May 12, 2010: Begin exploratory analysis

Step 7 ..................By Thu May 13, 2010: Outline or describe overall structure

                        Writing Tutorial Services & Board of Curators, Indiana University Bloomington

                        Study Guides and Strategies, Joe Landsberger

                        Help with Technical Writing (Nancy Heckman, Univ. of British Columbia Statistics Dept.)

Step 8 ..................By Mon May 17, 2010: Complete 1st draft

                        Citing Information & Avoiding Plagiarism (College Board)

Step 9 ..................By Thu May 20, 2010: Revise & rewrite

                        Improving your Writing Style (The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison)

                        Revising Your Work (Revision Checklist) (Center For Writing, University of Minnesota)

                        Proofreading Strategies (Purdue University, Online Writing Lab (OWL))

Step 10 ................By Fri May 21, 2010*: Put paper in final form

                        *Please note that this is the last day of class.