Geography 300

Answer 1

1.

Which of these assertions does the author Dorling make about statistics?

a.

They are dull as ditch water.

b.

Many students feel a chill wind down their spine at the mention of statistics.

c.

You are unlikely to get very far without statistics.

d.

All of these

Answer 2

2.

Why does the author suggest that being 'numerate' is a problem?

a.

Because it one has trouble being literate and numerate simultaneously.

b.

Because most people aren't numerate, so communicating with numbers is challenging.

c.

Because it takes years of work to become numerate.

d.

Because so many people are numerate, but everyone speaks a different "numeracy language"

3.

How many statistical tests on a given data set does the author suggest works best?

a.

One

b.

Three to Five

c.

Five to Seven

d.

The more the better, because  it's important to be thourough.

4.

The author claims that above all else, when you are using a statisitical technique:

a.

make sure to use the more refined or complex one first.

b.

use only simplistic statistics

c.

Know why you are using the specific technique.

d.

none of these.

5.

Statistics seem to have arisen in the context of what task?

a.

National censuses

b.

medical research

c.

psychological research

d.

military planning

6

Why does the author suggest using simple statistics?

a.

It is harder to condition the results with simpler stats

b.

You can communicate with more people if you use stats they can understand.

c.

Simpler statistics are more convincing than complex ones

d.

All of these are suggested by the author.

7.

According to the example laid out by the author, what conclusion can be made about the standard mortality rate of his hypothetical region?

a.

The true SMR  is 100 deaths

b.

That in 19 years out of 20, the SMR will be somewhere between 95 and 143.

c.

That he's 95 percent certain that 120 is not an average SMR

d.

I have no idea what the author is saying.

8

The author has an important suggestion to students when it comes to stats:

a.

You better get learning them now, because the government is pushing it.

b.

You don't really need any statistics to be a geographer.

c.

If you're insecure about your mastery of stats, don't be.

d.

Your command over statistics is illusory, because these are very complicated.

9.

What book does the author suggest a old, but good starting place for those interested in stats?

a.

Tanur

b.

Playfair

c.

Congdon

d.

Breslow and Day

10.

Dr. Graves adds that geographers use a slightly different set of stats, adapted for spatial issues and cartography.  He suggests a text by McGrew and Monroe , called An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving in Geography as an accessible introduction.  Who authored this text?

a.

Guns and Roses

b.

Mc Grew and Monroe

c.

Penn and Teller

d.

Laurel and Hardy