Find an example of statistics in the news.? Look in your local newspaper, online news site (e.g., CNN), etc.? Summarize that example and discuss the details of the statistical information.
Professors Example:
“Class:
Here is my example of statistics in the news. As we get closer to the 2016 Presidential election, you will see many polls that reflect statistical data taken from a sample of the population. Understanding the error in those polls is just as important as viewing the results. If you visit?http://www.realclearpolitics.com?you will find a constant source of polling data.
SurveyUSA poll of Trump vs. Clinton for President (Sept 2, 2015)
Sample Size = 900 (random sample)
Margin of Error = +/- 3.3% (very important)
Results: Trump 45%, Clinton 40% .. Trump Wins
Now, if we consider the error in the poll, we might say the winner could be Clinton. Applying a maximum error of 3.3% to each result, we could shift the data to: Trump = 45%-3.3% = 41.7% and Clinton = 40%+3.3% = 43.3%. ?So, now we might say that Clinton wins. ?The statistical error is very important here.”