Notice and criticize arguments based on the faulty, incomplete, or misleading
use of numbers, such as in instances when (1) average results are reported,
but not the amount of variation around the average, (2) a percentage or
fraction is given, but not the total sample size (as in "9 out of 10 dentists
recommend..."), (3) absolute and proportional quantities are mixed (as
in "3,400 more robberies in our city last year, whereas other cities had
an increase of less than 1%), or (4) results are reported with overstated
precision (as in representing 13 out of 19 students as 68.42%).
| NSES Content Standard A
Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Grades 9-12, page 175 Design and conduct scientific investigations. Designing and conducting a scientific investigation requires introduction to the major concepts in the area being investigated, proper equipment, safety precautions, assistance with methodological problems, recommendations for use of technologies, clarification of ideas that guide the inquiry, and scientific knowledge obtained from sources other than the actual investigation. The investigation may also require student clarification of the question, method, controls, and variables; student organization and display of data; student revision of methods and explanations; and a public presentation of the results with a critical response from peers. Regardless of the scientific investigation performed, students must use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for their proposed explanations. |