Working with data
This is a level 4 measurement activity from the Figure It Out series. It is focused on using qualitative scales. A PDF of the student activity is included.
About this resource
Figure It Out is a series of 80 books published between 1999 and 2009 to support teaching and learning in New Zealand classrooms.
This resource provides the teachers' notes and answers for one activity from the Figure It Out series. A printable PDF of the student activity can be downloaded from the materials that come with this resource.
Specific learning outcomes:
- Use qualitative scales.
Working with data
Achievement objectives
GM4-4: Interpret and use scales, timetables, and charts.
Required materials
- Figure It Out, Level 3–4, Measurement, "Working with data", page 24
- copy of the scales from your teacher
- classmate
See Materials that come with this resource to download:
- Working with data activity (.pdf)
Activity
This activity provides an opportunity for students to discuss the use of a qualitative scale and the relative merits of different sorts of scales. A copymaster for the scales is at the end of these notes.
The students need only circle their chosen option. For example:
Questions 1a–1d are all asking for a level of agreement. These could all be done easily on scale ii. Scale iv would not fit at all, but it will be useful for a scale of difficulty as asked in question 1e. Scales i and iii can be used for anything, provided that the students annotate them to show the meaning of the smiley face or the values of the numerals from 0 to 10. For example, the numerical scale may have 0, meaning the lowest level of agreement, and 10, meaning the highest level of agreement. But 0 could also mean the easiest, with 10 meaning the hardest.
Some questionnaire writers prefer to use a scale with an even number of options. This means there is no neutral option in the middle of the scale for respondents to choose. They must choose some level of agreement or disagreement. Scales i, ii, and iv in this activity do have an odd number of options. You can change them to an even number of options if you wish.
1.–3.
Answers will vary.
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