Initial Post Instructions

Suppose that you have two sets of data to work with. The first set is a list of all the injuries that were seen in a clinic in a month's time. The second set contains data on the number of minutes that each patient spent in the waiting room of a doctor's office. You can make assumptions about other information or variables that are included in each data set.

For each data set, propose your idea of how best to represent the key information. To organize your data would you choose to use a frequency table, a cumulative frequency table, or a relative frequency table? Why?

What type of graph would you use to display the organized data from each frequency distribution? What would be shown on each of the axes for each graph?

Follow-Up Post Instructions

Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.

Consider how different distributions might affect the different graphs. How might other variables affect the graphs? How could graphs be made to be biased? If a graph were biased, how might you change it to guard against that bias?

Writing Requirements

• Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
• APA format for in-text citations and list of references

Response to Cindy

Hello Class,

      The graph that i feel would work best in collecting the list of all injuries that were seen in a month's time would be the relative frequency table. it would be the best table to show the most common and seen injuries for the month. 

        "A frequency (distribution) table shows the different measurement categories and the number of observations in each category. Before constructing a frequency table, one should have an idea about the range (minimum and maximum values). The range is divided into arbitrary intervals called “class interval.” If the class intervals are too many, then there will be no reduction in the bulkiness of data and minor deviations also become noticeable. On the other hand, if they are very few, then the shape of the distribution itself cannot be determined. Generally, 6–14 intervals are adequate." (Dawson & Trapp, 2004)

        the graph i would choose is a bar graph because it suits this type of data well, the number of injuries would start at 0 and continue with increments of 5 on the y-axis. the X-axis would be the types of injuries that were seen in the doctor's office (e.g sprains, fractures ,concussions, etc.)

      A line graph and a frequency table would be the best choice in displaying the the number of minutes that each patient spent in the waiting room at the doctors office. the reason for choosing a line graph is because line graphs accurately show changes over a short or long period of time. 

      The Y-axis would be the waiting time in minutes starting from 0 and increments of 5. the X-axis can be 7 sections with each section presenting one particular day of the week. (Monday-Friday) this will give the average waiting time per day. 

References:

Dawson B, Trapp RG. 4th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2004. Basic and clinical biostatistics