Define and frame
Calculate mean and median for 4, 5, 6, 7 and 38. Which might better represent a typical case, and why?
Scenario: Consider five fictional values: 4, 5, 6, 7 and 38. How does an extreme observation affect summaries?
Use the fictional dataset if the question refers to it. Always show your reasoning; an exact number without context is not enough. The four written tasks are teacher-assessed. The self-check below is formative and does not affect the 20-mark assignment.
Written problem set
Calculate or apply
Give R commands for the mean and median of score_post and a check for missing values.
Evaluate the design
One group has a higher mean but much wider scores. Why is mean-only comparison risky?
Interpret and communicate
Say when to choose a histogram rather than a boxplot. Specify appropriate axis labels.
Standard scoring guide
Each written task is worth 5 points: correct key idea (2), justified application or computation (2), and a clear statement with limits (1). This original rubric is not official UCL assessment.
Formative self-check · 4 questions
Choose one answer for each item, then check the feedback. Answers and explanations are available on this public study page; the separate written-task instructor key is private.