Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
STATISTICAL REASONING AND ITS APPLICATION IN REAL LIFE
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STATISTICAL REASONING AND ITS APPLICATION IN REAL LIFE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Mathematics
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 16
Grade code: 2.4.1.LI.3
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.4.1.CS.2
Indicator code: 2.4.1.LI.3
Theme: MAKING SENSE OF AND USING DATA
Subtheme: STATISTICAL REASONING AND ITS APPLICATION IN REAL LIFE
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Every day, we are bombarded with numbers and claims on TV, on social media, and in the news. We hear things like, "Fuel prices have increased by 10%," "This player is better than that player," or "This region has the best BECE results." How do we know if these claims are true? How can we make smart decisions based on this information? This lesson is about moving beyond just calculating statistics (like mean, median, mode) to actually *using* them as powerful tools. We will learn how to build strong, convincing arguments supported by data, and how to intelligently question the arguments of others.
This lesson builds on your knowledge of basic statistics. Today, we focus on *reasoning* with those statistics.
A. What is a "Mathematical Argument"?
A mathematical argument is not just an opinion. It is a logical and persuasive statement that uses data and statistical evidence to support a conclusion. A strong argument has three parts: Claim: The main point you are trying to make. (e.g., "Kofi is a more consistent goal scorer than Ama.") Evidence: The specific data or calculated statistics you are using. (e.g., "Kofi's goals per match have a smaller range and quartile deviation than Ama's.") Reasoning: The connection that explains *how* your evidence proves your claim. (e.g., "A smaller range means his performance varies less from game to game, making him more reliable.")
B. Recap of Key Statistical Tools