Fighting Crime With Statistics

Fighting Crime with Statistics 101

This assignment is scored out of 60points. You may do as many parts of as many questions as you like in order to earn these 60 points. Your answer should be typed. The question must be written above the response. This assignment is to be handed in on Thursday, May 4. These are short essay questions. Your answers should be well written, complete, and in detail. Not only should you reference content from the article, but also your own statistical insight and
vocabulary.

1.) In detail, explain the difference between statistics and Statistics, and discuss the origin of each. Additionally, provide at three specific examples of each, referencing our studies this year. (14 points)

2.) The graph on page 16 is a simple type, one you have used many years prior to this course—what type is it? Does it display categorical or quantitative variables? Explain what this graph shows in relation to United States v. Kristen Gilbert. (8 points)

3.) On page 17, the author uses tossing a coin to explain hypothesis testing, and references the calculation that tossing 6 heads out of 10 flips is .38. Is this a binomial or geometric probability? Show how we could calculate this by hand or using the graphing calculator. (6 points)

4.) On page 18, the author outlines the statistical process used to analyze the data. What type of data is presented in the table above, categorical or quantitative? How many variables are there and what are they? Name the graphical display used, as well as the name of the test used to conduct the analysis. Finally, what are/name each of these statistics: “40 out of 74, .045, 11.6, <1 in 1 million? (12 points)

5.) Cobb argued that these statistics did not prove Gilbert committed any murders; he references an example comparing mortality rates among smokers/nonsmokers. Explain why we cannot establish cause, and only can show correlation; support your argument with a detailed example from the text, and use appropriate statistical vocabulary. (8 points)

6.) Diagram the experiment outlined on page 20, providing the following details: explain why we randomize and suggest one method of randomization that could be used, explain the meaning of double-blind, and explain treatment vs. placebo. Finally, explain the statistical advantages of experimental data vs. observational data. (14 points)

7.) Discuss the role statistics played in this case. Provide background information about the case, its participants, and how statistics were used, as well as its conclusion. Finally, reflect on United States v. Kristen Gilbert. You only saw the statistical evidence—are you convinced Gilbert was guilty? Why or why not? Elaborate! (10 points)

8.)On page 18 the author provides a table with numbers of deaths in regard to Gilbert's presence. Which type of significance test would be appropriate for this data? State the name of the test, the appopriate hypotheses, and check the conditions. Then, show the mathematics (with correct test statistic, picture, and p-value), and write your own conclusion based on this information. (14 points)

9.) The intro to the "Policing the Police" article outlines the idea behind Simpson's Paradox. In your own words, define Simpson's Paradox, and provide a detailed summary of the explanation provided in the article. (6 points)