Question

The California Healthy Kids Survey in 1999 and 2001 asked 7 th, 9 th, and 1 1th graders in San Luis Obispo County whether they smoked tobacco. In \(1999,6 \%\) of 7 th graders, \(17 \%\) of 9 th graders, and \(23 \%\) of 11 th graders admitted smoking tobacco while in 2001 the corresponding figures were \(3 \%, 13 \%\), and \(22 \%\). Create a comparative bar chart showing bars for 7 th graders together, bars for 9 th graders together, and bars for 11 th graders together. Comment on any interesting features of the chart.

Short answer

The comparative bar chart would show a decrease in the percentage of smokers amongst all grade levels from 1999 to 2001.The change is most significant amongst the 9th graders with a 4 percent drop. However, the change is minimal amongst the 11th graders with only a 1 percent decrease. This indicates that while the overall trend is towards a decrease in smoking, the extent of this decrease differs across grade levels.

Step-by-step solution

Drawing the bars for 7th graders

On a blank bar chart, draw two bars representing the 7th graders. The height of the first bar should correspond to 6 percent, indicating the percentage of smokers in 1999, and the height of the second bar should correspond to 3 percent, indicating the percentage of smokers in 2001.

Drawing the bars for 9th graders

Next to the bars for the 7th graders, draw two more bars representing the 9th graders. The height of the first bar should correspond to 17 percent, indicating the percentage of smokers in 1999, while the second bar should correspond to 13 percent, indicating the percentage of smokers in 2001.

Drawing the bars for 11th graders

Next to the bars for the 9th graders, draw the final set of bars representing the 11th graders. Set the height of the first bar to 23 percent to represent the smokers in 1999, and the second bar to 22 percent, indicating the percentage of smokers in 2001.

Analyze the chart

By observing the created chart, one can comment on the interesting features. Look for patterns or significant changes in the data, such as any significant increases or decreases in smoking rates over time or any major differences between grade levels.

Key concepts

Statistics in Education

Statistics play a crucial role in the educational sector, providing a way to measure and analyze various aspects of the learning environment, performance, and demographics. When it comes to understanding and improving educational outcomes, statistical analysis aids in spotting trends, identifying areas that require attention, and even evaluating the effectiveness of programs and interventions.

For instance, the utilization of a comparative bar chart, as in the exercise related to the California Healthy Kids Survey, can clarify differences and changes over time in student behavior like smoking rates. The clear visual comparison across different grade levels allows educators, policymakers, and the community to track the efficacy of public health initiatives or educational campaigns. By illustrating the statistical information in a visually comprehensible manner, it becomes easier for various stakeholders to grasp and take action on the data presented.

Data Analysis

Data analysis encompasses a spectrum of techniques and processes used to derive meaningful information from raw data. It involves cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, inform conclusions, and support decision-making.

In our exercise, data analysis is applied to compare smoking trends among students in 1999 and 2001. It's not enough just to have the numbers; we must also know what they mean. Through the steps of creating a comparative bar chart, we organize and visualize the data to uncover patterns. For example, noticing a decline in smoking rates from 1999 to 2001 among 7th and 9th graders might prompt further questions. Why did these rates decrease? Was there a significant health campaign during this period? Analyzing data helps us move beyond the surface to explore underlying causes and implications of these statistics.

Smoking Trends Among Students

Studying smoking trends among students is essential for monitoring public health and the effectiveness of anti-smoking programs. Considering this, a comparative bar chart is a perfect tool to illustrate changes over time and provide insights into which age groups are most susceptible to smoking.

From the exercise data, one can observe that smoking rates declined among 7th and 9th graders, but remained almost the same for 11th graders from 1999 to 2001. This points to the fact that younger students may have been more influenced by anti-smoking programs or educational efforts compared to older students. It is important to not just look at the decline but also question why the 11th graders' rate did not change significantly. This could indicate that different strategies may be needed to address smoking habits at different educational levels. Such insights are vital for tailoring intervention programs effectively.