Subject content — AQA GCSE Statistics

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The subject content of this specification matches that set out in the Department for Education's Statistics GCSE subject content and assessment objectives document. This content is common to all exam boards.

Subject content exam tips

Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)

AQA GCSE Statistics subject content covers the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data, including probability and statistical distributions. It equips students with skills to make informed decisions using real-world data, from calculating averages to conducting hypothesis tests.

How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)

Pitfall: Confusing correlation with causation.

❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):The scatter graph shows a positive correlation, so as one variable increases, the other increases because of a direct cause.

Example improved answer:The scatter graph shows a positive correlation, indicating a relationship between the variables. However, correlation does not imply causation; there may be a third factor or coincidence. Further investigation is needed to establish cause and effect.

Examiner Tip: Always state 'correlation does not imply causation' and avoid definitive causal language unless the question provides experimental evidence.

Pitfall: Incorrectly calculating the mean from a grouped frequency table.

❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):For grouped data, I add up all the frequencies and divide by the number of groups.

Example improved answer:To estimate the mean from grouped data, use the midpoints of each class interval, multiply each midpoint by its frequency, sum these products, and divide by the total frequency.

Examiner Tip: Remember to use midpoints and show your working, especially the sum of (midpoint x frequency) divided by total frequency.

Step-by-Step Worked Solutions

Question: A survey of 50 students recorded the number of pets they own. The results are: 0 pets: 12 students, 1 pet: 18 students, 2 pets: 15 students, 3 pets: 5 students. Calculate the mean number of pets per student.

1.Step 1: Multiply each value by its frequency: 0x12=0, 1x18=18, 2x15=30, 3x5=15.
2.Step 2: Sum these products: 0+18+30+15=63.
3.Step 3: Divide by total frequency: 63 / 50 = 1.26.

Final Answer: The mean number of pets per student is 1.26.

Question: In a bag, there are 5 red, 3 blue, and 2 green counters. Two counters are taken at random without replacement. Find the probability that both are red.

1.Step 1: Probability first is red = 5/10.
2.Step 2: After removing one red, remaining red = 4, total = 9, so probability second is red given first red = 4/9.
3.Step 3: Multiply: (5/10) x (4/9) = 20/90 = 2/9.

Final Answer: The probability that both counters are red is 2/9.

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