Download Statistics in Science Stand Dev and Error

Statistics in Science
Use of Statistics (adapted from Bates College):
The results of your statistical analyses help you to understand the outcome of your study. This could be related to
whether or not a variable has an effect and whether variables are related. It will also help to understand whether
differences among groups of observations are the same or different, etc..
Statistics are tools of science, not an end unto themselves. Statistics should be used to substantiate your findings and
help you to say objectively when you have significant results. Therefore, when reporting the statistical outcomes
relevant to your study, include them along with the actual
biological results.
Standard Deviation:
Watch the video on standard deviation linked to my website (about 8 minutes) or click below. Also, feel free to use
other resources as well:
http://www.bozemanscience.com/standard-deviation
It has a link to youtube so you make not be able to view it at school.
After watching the video answer the following questions:
1. Define Standard Deviation and describe its uses.
2. Write down the equation for standard deviation and define each variable in the equation (example: “n” is the sample
size).
3. Solve the problem proposed by the video and show your work!
4. Download the data set for the Gummy Bear lab from my website (under the Nature of Science unit) and calculate the
mean and standard deviation as shown in the video. Save this to either your Ipad or laptop or print and bring to class.
Standard Error:
Watch the video on standard error (7 minutes) from my website (or click below) and feel free to use other resources to
help you answer the questions:
http://www.bozemanscience.com/standard-error
After watching the video answer the following questions:
1. Define Standard Error and describe its uses.
2. Write down the equation for standard error and define each variable in the equation (example: “n” is the sample
size).
3. Solve the problem proposed by the video and show your work!
4. Download the data set for the Gummy Bear lab from my website (under the Nature of Science unit) and calculate the
Standard Error as shown in the video. Create a bar graph that shows the mean percent change in volume after soaking
for 24 hours. Include error bars that correlate with your standard error. Be sure to choose a format where you can
include a title and axis labels. Also, include your units. Save this to either your Ipad or laptop and bring to class or print.