WEEK 1 PROJECT TEMPLATE AND EXAMPLE

How to use this template:

Class, please leave all parts of this template exactly as they appear. Carefully read the examples that I have provided below, so that you understand what information to include for each part. Then, please type your work where you see the words "Please type your work below." Please leave all highlights exactly as is.

Refer to the corresponding assignment scoring guide for how your assignment will be scored.

1. What is your chosen topic, and why is it important to your personal or professional life? How could you specifically use the results you find in some way in your personal or professional life?

EXAMPLE:

I will be conducting a study about people's beliefs on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Health and nutrition topics are personally important to me, as I have known many people with significant food-related challenges and illnesses. The topic of GMOs is controversial and has many significant implications for people's health on an international scale. My goals are to find out information about people's perspectives on the dangers of GMOs. I would also like to find out if people have done research on this topic, and if they feel knowledgeable enough to provide an overview of what exactly it means to genetically alter foods. The results of this study could be used to develop interest in funding future and more involved studies in the effects of GMOs on human health.

This section must be one complete paragraph long.

Type your work below.

2. What are potential variables to be included in data gathering, and why are they appropriate?

First: What are variables?

Variables are pieces of information that will VARY from participant to participant. As defined by your textbook, "a variable is any item or quantity that can vary or take on different values. The variables of interest in a statistical study are the items or quantities that the study seeks to measure" (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2009). Another good definition is the following: "a variable is an attribute that describes a person, place, thing, or idea" (StatTrek, n.d.).

EXAMPLE:

Some variables that might be included in my study are the following:

1. Age.

2. Gender.

3. Education level.

4. Yearly salary.

These variables are appropriate because I am interested to know if demographic information plays a role in people's views on GMOs.

Reference

Bennett, J. O., Briggs, W. L., & Triola, M. F. (2009). Statistical reasoning for everyday life (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

StatTrek. (n.d.). What are variables? Retrieved from http://stattrek.com/ap-statistics-1/variables.aspx

Please include at least FOUR (4) potential variables and discuss why they are appropriate. Do not worryyou can change these if you like, but this is to get you started thinking about what information you will gather.

Type your work below.

3. Explain your specific target population and discuss why it is the best population to study.

EXAMPLE:

My target population is all American residents residing in any state, ages 18 and up. From this population, I will select an appropriate SAMPLE to study, since I cannot feasibly survey every American resident. While ideally I would like to examine the entire world population, that would be more expensive and complex. Therefore, to begin with, a smaller population is chosen and is the best one for this study.

This section must be at least 1-2 complete sentences and must very clearly and explicitly define your target population. Please do not forget to include identifying information such as age range, gender, and any other specific characteristics that are unique and relevant to identifying your target population. Remember to review the difference between population and sample. Population consists of all of the elements of interest, while a sample is a subset of the population which we focus on in a given study, and then use the results to make inferences about the larger population. Discuss why this population is appropriate as opposed to other potential populations.

Type your work below.