📊 Part 1: Understanding Data Reliability and Bias
1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of bias in data collection?
Data that is collected too slowly
Information that is unfairly influenced towards a particular viewpoint
Data that contains too many numbers
Statistics that are difficult to understand
2. A reliable data source should have which characteristics? (Select all that apply)
Clear information about who collected the data
A representative sample size
Recent and up-to-date information
Fancy graphics and colourful charts
Transparent data collection methods
3. When evaluating a data source, which question would be MOST helpful?
"How many colours are used in the graph?"
"Who funded this research and do they benefit from the results?"
"Is the font size large enough to read easily?"
"How long did it take to create this report?"
4. Complete this sentence: A sample size of 10 people surveyed about New Zealand's population preferences would be considered _________________ because _________________.
🔍 Part 2: Source Evaluation Practice
Scenario: You find a social media post claiming "90% of teenagers prefer energy drinks over water!" The post includes a colourful graph but no information about the source, sample size, or how the data was collected.
5. List three specific questions you would ask to evaluate the reliability of this data source:
a) _______________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________
c) _______________________________________________
6. Identify two potential sources of bias that could affect this claim and explain how each might influence the results:
7. Based on the information provided, would you consider this a reliable data source? Justify your decision using specific criteria:
🎯 Part 3: Real-World Application
8. Imagine you need to research "the most popular career choices for Year 11 students in New Zealand." Design a plan to collect reliable, unbiased data by completing the following:
Target population: ____________________________
Sample size needed: ____________________________
Data collection method: ____________________________
Potential sources of bias to avoid:
9. Extension Activity: Explain how evaluating data sources critically can impact important real-world decisions in areas such as health, politics, or environmental policy. Provide one specific example:
10. Reflection: How will you apply what you've learned about data source evaluation when you encounter statistics in news articles, social media, or advertisements?
