Section C — AQA GCSE Statistics

Test yourself on Section C with AQA GCSE practice questions.

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Generate data visualisation and understand the mathematics required to derive these visualisations.

Section C exam tips

Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)

Section C of AQA GCSE Statistics focuses on analysing and interpreting data, including calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion, understanding correlation and regression, and applying probability to real-world contexts. It requires students to critically evaluate statistical summaries, identify misleading representations, and draw valid conclusions from data.

How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)

Pitfall: Confusing correlation with causation when interpreting scatter graphs.

❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):The graph shows that as temperature increases, ice cream sales increase, so temperature causes ice cream sales.

Example improved answer:There is a positive correlation between temperature and ice cream sales; however, this does not imply causation. A third factor, such as time of year, could influence both variables. Further investigation is needed to establish cause and effect.

Examiner Tip: Always state that correlation does not imply causation and suggest possible confounding variables.

Pitfall: Incorrectly calculating the interquartile range from a cumulative frequency graph.

❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):I read the median at 50% and then just guessed the quartiles.

Example improved answer:To find the interquartile range from a cumulative frequency graph, first locate the lower quartile (25% of total frequency) and upper quartile (75% of total frequency) on the y-axis, read across to the curve, then down to the x-axis. Subtract the lower quartile from the upper quartile to get the IQR.

Examiner Tip: Always draw horizontal and vertical lines to show your readings and ensure you use the correct cumulative frequency values.

Step-by-Step Worked Solutions

Question: A dataset of 10 numbers has a mean of 15 and a standard deviation of 3.2. Interpret the standard deviation in context.

1.Step 1: Identify that standard deviation measures the spread of data around the mean.
2.Step 2: Note that a standard deviation of 3.2 means that, on average, data points deviate from the mean by 3.2 units.
3.Step 3: Conclude that the data is relatively consistent because the standard deviation is small compared to the mean.

Final Answer: The standard deviation of 3.2 indicates that the data points are typically 3.2 units away from the mean of 15, suggesting moderate variability.

Question: The probability that a biased dice lands on a six is 0.25. If the dice is rolled 80 times, estimate the number of times it lands on a six.

1.Step 1: Identify the probability of success (landing on six) as 0.25.
2.Step 2: Multiply the probability by the number of trials: 0.25 * 80 = 20.
3.Step 3: State the final answer with units.

Final Answer: The dice is expected to land on a six approximately 20 times.

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Section C exam tips

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