What is the first step in almost every investigation of data?
A. Determine if the data contain any outliers.
B. Make an appropriate graph.
C. Determine the centre.
D. Describe the variability.
Answer (2)
The first step in almost every investigation of data is to create a visual representation of the data. This allows for easy identification of patterns, distributions and outliers. Therefore, the answer is B .
Explanation
Understand the problem The question asks about the first step in almost every investigation of data. We need to choose the most logical first step from the given options.
Analyze the options Let's consider each option:
A. Determine if the data contain any outliers: Identifying outliers is important, but it usually comes after getting a general sense of the data.
B. Make an appropriate graph: Graphing the data allows for a visual representation, which can help in understanding the distribution, identifying patterns, and spotting potential outliers.
C. Determine the center: Finding the center (mean, median) is a useful measure, but it's not typically the very first step.
D. Describe the variability: Describing the variability (range, standard deviation) is also important, but it usually follows an initial overview of the data.
Determine the first step Making a graph is generally the first step because it provides a visual overview of the data, allowing you to see patterns, distributions, and potential outliers. The other options require some initial understanding of the data, which a graph can help provide.
Conclusion Therefore, the first step in almost every investigation of data is to make an appropriate graph.
Examples
In scientific research, before analyzing experimental results, researchers often create graphs to visualize the data distribution. This helps them identify trends, potential errors, and patterns that might not be apparent from raw numbers alone. For example, plotting the growth rate of plants under different conditions can quickly reveal which conditions promote the most growth.
The first step in almost every investigation of data is to make an appropriate graph, which provides a visual representation of the data. This allows for better understanding of patterns and insights. Therefore, the best choice is B .
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