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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > April  >
In the Laboratory
Using Pooled Data and Data Visualization To Introduce Statistical Concepts in the General Chemistry Laboratory
Robert J. Olsen
Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ 08240-0195
Cover
April 2008
Vol. 85 No. 4
p. 544

Abstract
I describe how data pooling and data visualization can be employed in the first-semester general chemistry laboratory to introduce core statistical concepts such as central tendency and dispersion of a data set. The pooled data are plotted as a 1-D scatterplot, a purpose-designed number line through which statistical features of the data are encoded by choice of plotting symbols and inclusion of reference lines. The approach is illustrated for an experiment in which the empirical formula of magnesium oxide is determined; it is readily adapted to other experiments generating univariate data by appropriate customization of the scatterplot. Prior to pooling the class data, each student uses the customized number line to identify the empirical formula that agrees most closely with his or her individual data, thus minimizing confusion over the extent to which an experimentally determined mole ratio can be rounded when finding an empirical formula. Because of their familiarity with number lines and innate abilities for pattern recognition, students are led to develop an intuitive understanding of the statistical concepts illustrated by the scatterplot.
Supplement
Student handouts: Experiment write-up and data spreadsheet; Instructor notes: further discussion of the experiment, a summary of the results obtained by 17 laboratory sections, suggestions about how analysis of the pooled data can be extended, a description of the spreadsheet used to pool the data, and information about assessment of the experiment
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Citation
Olsen, Robert J. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 544.
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Keywords
Chemometrics; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Magnesium; Stoichiometry
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
2/26/2008
3/5/2008
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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