Handout 5: Summarizing Numerical Data STAT 100 – Spring 2016 1 In this handout, we will consider methods that are appropriate for summarizing a single set of numerical measurements. Definition Numerical Data: A set of measurements that are recorded on a naturally numeric scale. Example: Typical Household Income The Census Bureau provides a variety of information at the county level for all counties across the U.S. in its “State & County QuickFacts” data sets (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/download_data.html). In this handout, we will consider one numerical variable that was measured in each county: Typical Household Income. These data can be found in the file CensusData.xlsx on the course website. A portion of the data set is shown below. Note that I have used the Filter option to work with only the counties in Minnesota. To do this, highlight the State column and then select “Filter” from the Data tab. A drop-down arrow should now appear in the State column. Click on this and then select the appropriate box to show only the values from Minnesota. A portion of the results are shown below. It’s difficult to gain insight into the typical household incomes across counties in Minnesota by viewing the data in the above table, so let’s alternatively consider a few graphical representations which summarize these measurements. Which do you prefer, and why?
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Handout 5: Summarizing Numerical Data STAT 100 – Spring 2016
1
In this handout, we will consider methods that are appropriate for summarizing a single set of
numerical measurements.
Definition
Numerical Data: A set of measurements that are recorded on a naturally numeric scale.
Example: Typical Household Income
The Census Bureau provides a variety of information at the county level for all counties across
the U.S. in its “State & County QuickFacts” data sets (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/download_data.html).
In this handout, we will consider one numerical variable that was measured in each county:
Typical Household Income. These data can be found in the file CensusData.xlsx on the course
website. A portion of the data set is shown below. Note that I have used the Filter option to
work with only the counties in Minnesota. To do this, highlight the State column and then
select “Filter” from the Data tab. A drop-down arrow should now appear in the State column.
Click on this and then select the appropriate box to show only the values from Minnesota. A
portion of the results are shown below.
It’s difficult to gain insight into the typical household incomes across counties in Minnesota by
viewing the data in the above table, so let’s alternatively consider a few graphical
representations which summarize these measurements. Which do you prefer, and why?