Assignment instructions:
First, state whether blood pressure in Table 2A would be a continuous variable or a discrete variable. Explain. Then supposing that the number of women in each of groups (non-users and users) were identified, would the number of women in each category be a continuous variable or a discrete variable? Explain.
Part 2: Use any free online histogram maker* to draw histograms for the blood pressures of the users and nonusers ages 35–44. Discuss one conclusion that can be made about blood pressure and pill use. *Here are some free resources:
http://www.zweigmedia.com/RealWorld/stats/histogram.html
Part 3: Based on what you’ve learned in this module about normal distributions, explain why a normal approximation of data would be helpful to view the data. For example, you could describe the steps that one would take to estimate the percentage of women with blood pressures in an age group.
Module 2 slp
Assignment instructions:
- Calculate the mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation of the measurements taken in Module 1 SLP. Show your work and be sure to express each value in units.
- Discuss which measure of central tendency you think most accurately describes the variable that you measured. Provide a thorough explanation.
- Describe the spread/distribution of your data. Be sure to describe the variance of distribution and the concept of standard deviation as a measure of dispersion in your response.
- 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.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Part 1:
Blood Pressure (Table 2A): Continuous or Discrete Variable?
Blood pressure is a continuous variable because it can take any value within a range. Blood pressure measurements can be very precise, often represented in decimals (e.g., 120.5 mmHg). It is not limited to a set of distinct values, making it a continuous variable.
Number of Women in Each Group (Non-users and Users): Continuous or Discrete Variable?
The number of women in each group would be a discrete variable because the count of people is a whole number. Discrete variables can only take specific, separate values (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). In this case, you can’t have a fraction of a person, so it is discrete.
Part 2: Blood Pressure Histograms and Conclusion
To draw the histograms for the blood pressures of users and non-users in the 35–44 age group, you can use the following free online histogram maker:
Zweig Media Histogram Tool.
Steps:
- Input the blood pressure data for both groups (users and non-users).
- Set the bin size to a reasonable value (e.g., 5 mmHg).
- Generate the histograms.
Conclusion:
From the histograms, you may observe whether there is a significant difference in the distribution of blood pressures between pill users and non-users. For example, if blood pressure in users tends to be higher or more varied, it could suggest that the use of the pill has an impact on blood pressure levels.
Part 3: Normal Approximation of Data
A normal approximation is useful for understanding the general shape of the data distribution and estimating probabilities. A normal distribution is bell-shaped, symmetric, and often used to represent real-world phenomena like blood pressure levels. When you apply a normal approximation to data, it allows you to estimate how many women in a given age group would have a certain range of blood pressures.
For example, if we assume that blood pressure in a specific age group follows a normal distribution, we can use the mean and standard deviation of the sample to estimate the percentage of women who fall within specific ranges (e.g., 120–130 mmHg). This is done by calculating z-scores and referring to standard normal distribution tables or using software tools.
To estimate the percentage of women with blood pressures in a certain range, follow these steps:
- Calculate the z-scores for the upper and lower bounds of the range.
[
z = \frac{X – \mu}{\sigma}
]
where:
- (X) is the value in question,
- (\mu) is the mean, and
- (\sigma) is the standard deviation.
- Use the z-score to determine the corresponding probability from the standard normal distribution.
This helps in estimating how many women in the group have blood pressures in the target range and understanding the distribution of the data.
Module 2 SLP: Data Analysis
- Calculate Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, and Standard Deviation
To calculate these statistics, use the following formulas:
- Mean:
[
\text{Mean} = \frac{\sum X}{n}
]
where (X) is each individual measurement, and (n) is the number of measurements. - Median: The middle value of the data when sorted in ascending order.
- Mode: The most frequent value in the dataset.
- Variance:
[
\text{Variance} = \frac{\sum (X – \mu)^2}{n}
]
where (\mu) is the mean and (X) are individual measurements. - Standard Deviation:
[
\text{Standard Deviation} = \sqrt{\text{Variance}}
]
- Measure of Central Tendency
The mean provides the most accurate measure for normally distributed data. However, if the data is skewed or has outliers, the median may be more representative. - Spread/Distribution and Variance
The variance indicates how spread out the data is around the mean. A higher variance means greater dispersion. The standard deviation provides a more interpretable measure of spread, as it is in the same units as the data itself. - Scholarly Search on Health Statistics
For example, you could research the average blood pressure for women aged 35–44 in your region or a specific country. Use reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) for reliable data.
Let me know if you’d like assistance with generating any of the images or calculations!