📊 Part 1: Understanding Data Source Reliability
1. Which of the following is the MOST important factor when evaluating data reliability?
The size of the font used in the report
The sample size and how representative it is
The colour scheme of the data visualisation
The length of the report
2. A survey about healthy eating habits is conducted by a fast food company. What type of concern does this raise?
Sample size is too small
Potential conflict of interest and bias
Data collection method is unclear
The data is too old
3. Which of these are key criteria for evaluating data sources? (Select all that apply)
Origin and credibility of the source
Sample size and representativeness
Personal opinions of the researcher
Data collection methods used
Timeliness and relevance of the data
4. Fill in the blanks: When evaluating data sources, we should ask "_______ collected this data?" and "_______ was it collected?"
Answer: _________ collected this data? _________ was it collected?
🔍 Part 2: Applying Source Evaluation Skills
5. Scenario: A study claims "90% of teenagers prefer energy drinks over water" based on a survey of 50 students outside a convenience store at 3pm on a Tuesday. Identify THREE problems with this data source:
6. You find a news article stating "House prices in Auckland increased by 15% this year" but no source is provided for this statistic. Write TWO questions you would ask to evaluate this claim:
7. Extension Activity: A pharmaceutical company publishes research showing their new medication is 95% effective. Explain why this might be considered biased and suggest how you could find more reliable information:
🎯 Part 3: Reflection and Real-World Application
8. Describe a real-world situation where evaluating data sources could impact important decisions (e.g., health, politics, finance):
9. Success Criteria Check: Rate your confidence (1-5 scale) in the following areas after completing this worksheet:
Explaining data reliability and bias: ___/5
Identifying potential biases in data sources: ___/5
Using questioning to evaluate data credibility: ___/5
Justifying decisions about data trustworthiness: ___/5
10. WALT Reflection: We are learning to evaluate data sources for reliability and bias. Write one key thing you learned today that you will remember when reading statistics in the media:
