Data Analysis
Assessment 2 (70% of module mark)
For this assessment your group must analyse the data in the data set provided using Excel and write a group report using your Excel analysis, and following the requirements set out below. The data set for this assessment is in the Excel file which you will find on UDo. The deadline date for submission is Thursday 3rd May, 2007. Each member of the group will normally get the same mark. The group should comprise 2 or 3 students. A group of 4 students is not allowed.
Late submission will not be accepted unless the group has discussed a specific problem with the module leader in advance of the deadline date and has a prearranged ECF. Illness of one member of the group in the last few days before submission is not an acceptable excuse. You have many weeks and several members to complete this report. It is expected that you should start working on the report as soon as you have covered the appropriate techniques in class and be meeting with your group during the semester. If you have group problems during the semester, arrange a meeting with your class tutor. Because the report comprises the work of 2 or 3 students, it is expected to contain a substantial amount of analysis and evaluation and should closely follow the requirements set out below.
Assessment Requirements
You must write a group report analysing the data provided in the Excel sheet for this assessment. Any evidence that students have colluded, copied work, or used the work of another source without reference will be investigated and may result in failure.
The analysis in your report must address the following issues:
1. Your overall analysis must analyse how GDP (Gross Domestic Product) differs between groups of countries by development level
2. Your overall analysis must also analyse the relationship between GDP and other variables in the data set.
3. Your overall analysis must evaluate the extent to which GDP can be predicted using other variables in the data set.
4. You must use all the following methods in your analysis:
a. Comparisons of variable distributions (using the mean, median, standard deviation, skew etc.) with appropriate comments on what your findings imply in relation to the aims
b. Probability (simple and conditional) with appropriate explanations of how calculated and what the values imply in relation to the aims
c. T or Z hypothesis test of means or proportions with appropriate explanation of what the test implies in relation to the aims
d. Chi squared test with appropriate explanations of what the result implies in relation to the aims
e. Correlation (with scatter diagrams where relevant) with appropriate explanations of what the results imply in relation to the aims
f. Simple 2 variable regression analysis with appropriate explanations of what the results imply in relation to the aims.
g. Do not use methods which have not been covered in the module.
5. You must choose which variables you analyse and which techniques to apply to which variables. You need not use all the variables.
6. Each part of the analysis must be explained. You must say why you chose the variables, why you chose the technique, give appropriate explanations of any calculations, and provide a discussion of what you results mean for each element of your analysis.
The report must be set out as follows:
7. Write you results as a typed report with an appropriate title page, contents page, section headings, numbered and labelled figures and tables, and appendices.
8. You must provide evidence showing how you did the analysis and how your results were calculated. Normally this means providing a print out of each excel sheet showing each part of analysis. These print should be put in the appendix.
9. Any tables, charts or graphs that you produce for your Excel analysis must be provided within the text of your report and be clearly numbered and labelled. You must write a full paragraph of explanation for each table, chart or graph and clearly associate the explanation with the numbered table, chart or graph.
10. You must provide an introduction to your report. Your introduction must state your overall aims and say how you intend to meet the aims of the report.
11. You must provide a conclusion. Your conclusion should summarise what you have found from your analysis. Do not provide all the data again. Summarise your findings in a few words. Clearly state whether your analysis has met your objectives and why. If you think your report has some weakness, explain what it is and why. You will gain marks for this type of critical review.
12. The recommended word count (excluding tables and appendices) is 3000 words for the whole report. You should choose how many words are appropriate for each section in your report. You must provide a word count at the end of the report, before the appendices. If your report is more than 10% under or over this recommended word count, it is likely that you have insufficient analysis or your discussion of the analysis lacks depth, contextualisation or precision.
13. References to sources must be provided using the Harvard method in the text of the report and all sources should be fully identified in a bibliography at the end of the report.
The criteria for marking
The following table shows the criteria and weighting used to award the final grade for your report.
Criteria
% of total grade
Following general requirements
10
Quality of report style
10
Choice of appropriate techniques and variables
30
Correct analysis of results and discussion of results
40
Appropriate introduction and conclusion content
10
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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