Ranu_J Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 (edited) I'm doing my Maths SL IA, is it okay to use chi-square test? Or is it not preferable as it is a topic of Maths Studies? Edited August 15, 2016 by Ranu_J Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB Math Helper Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 Hi Ranu, It is appropriate to use the chi-squared test despite the fact that it's part of the math studies curriculum. The only thing to keep in mind is that the chi-square test for independence is beyond the scope of the Math SL curriculum. What that means is that you have to explain its relevance, WHY you are using it for your IA and also HOW it works. In Criterion E - Understanding of Mathematics of the assessment criteria for Math IAs specifically states that you need to show a thorough understanding of the material in order to get a high mark. Make sure you explain in detail why you've used it in addition to your null and alternative hypotheses. I hope you're also using some other math topics as well. Hope this helps. 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merril889 Posted August 14, 2016 Report Share Posted August 14, 2016 It is a little overdone in my opinion considering the fact that i found someone do a youtube video on it for the Math IA... Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB Math Helper Posted August 14, 2016 Report Share Posted August 14, 2016 It's important to make a distinction here between tools and topics and which of these are overused. Tools are the concepts and principles you learn in or outside of class (e.g. linear regression, chi-square test, logarithms etc). Topics are ideas you come up with in order to do your IA (e.g. modelling the flight of Angry Birds using quadratic functions, maximizing the volume of a can given cost constraints, etc). You should use whatever tool you need to explain or analyze your topic. Tools cannot be overused because they are necessary for the analysis. Examiners expect you to demonstrate your knowledge of the tools. If you don't, you won't get marks for mathematical understanding. It doesn't matter which tool you use as long as it is clear that you understand the power of the tools and their limitations. Topics, on the other hand, can be overused. For example, classic problems such as maximizing the volume of a can or using logarithms for the Richter scale are just overdone. These problems are seen in textbooks all over and so their repetitive use in IAs shows a lack of creativity and personal engagement and are essentially doomed to not earn a good grade. The takeaway here is that it doesn't matter which tool you use (including the chi-square test) even if the rest of your class is incorporating it in their IAs. However, if everybody in your class is measuring the same variables and has the same topic, then the topic is being overused. 2 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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