CSET Data Analysis & Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A researcher collects test scores from two different schools and wants to determine if the difference in means is statistically significant. Which test is most appropriate?
- Chi-square test
- Independent samples t-test (Correct answer)
- Pearson correlation
- ANOVA
Correct answer: Independent samples t-test
An independent samples t-test compares the means of two unrelated groups to assess whether they differ significantly.
Question 2: Which measure of central tendency is most resistant to extreme outliers in a data set?
- Mean
- Mode
- Median (Correct answer)
- Range
Correct answer: Median
The median is the middle value and is not affected by extreme scores, making it the most resistant measure of central tendency.
Question 3: A scatter plot shows data points clustered tightly around a line that slopes downward from left to right. This indicates:
- A strong positive correlation
- A weak negative correlation
- A strong negative correlation (Correct answer)
- No correlation
Correct answer: A strong negative correlation
A tight cluster around a downward-sloping line indicates a strong negative correlation between the two variables.
Question 4: When analyzing student performance data, a teacher notices that a small group of very low scores is pulling the class average down. Which statistic would best represent the typical student performance?
- Mean
- Standard deviation
- Median (Correct answer)
- Variance
Correct answer: Median
The median better represents typical performance when outliers skew the distribution, as it is not influenced by extreme low scores.
Question 5: In a normal distribution, approximately what percentage of data falls within two standard deviations of the mean?
- 68%
- 95% (Correct answer)
- 99.7%
- 50%
Correct answer: 95%
Approximately 95% of data in a normal distribution falls within two standard deviations of the mean, per the empirical rule.
Question 6: A principal wants to compare reading proficiency rates across five grade levels. Which graph type is most appropriate?
- Pie chart
- Scatter plot
- Bar graph (Correct answer)
- Line graph
Correct answer: Bar graph
A bar graph effectively compares discrete categories (grade levels) side by side, making it ideal for this comparison.
Question 7: A correlation coefficient of r = 0.05 between study hours and test scores indicates:
- A strong positive relationship
- A moderate negative relationship
- Little to no linear relationship (Correct answer)
- A perfect relationship
Correct answer: Little to no linear relationship
A correlation coefficient near zero (r = 0.05) indicates little to no linear relationship between the two variables.
CSET Data Analysis & Reporting 2
A researcher collects test scores from two different schools and wants to determine if the difference in means is statistically significant.
Which test is most appropriate?