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Year 9 - Computing

The investigative cycle

Using data science

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will discover how to use data to investigate problems and make changes to the world around them. Pupils will be exposed to both global and local data sets and gain an understanding of how visualising data can help with the process of identifying patterns and trends.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to solve a problem by implementing the steps of the investigative cycle on a data set.

Key Notes

  • The PPDAC cycle is a framework that can be followed when asking and answering real-world problems using data.
  • A correlation shows that there is a relationship between two or more variables.
  • A correlation doesn't guarantee that one variable causes the other.
  • Data that sits outside a trend is known as an outlier.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • PPDAC: a framework for us to follow when asking and answering real-world problems using data
  • correlation: a correlation simply measures how two things move together
  • outlier: a data point that significantly differs from the rest of the data in a data set

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A positive correlation means one variable has an impact on another.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

The PPDAC cycle is a framework that can be followed when asking and answering real-world problems using data. A correlation shows that there is a relationship between two or more variables.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'PPDAC'

a framework for us to follow when asking and answering real-world problems using data. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: A positive correlation means one variable has an impact on another. Correction: Just because there is a correlation, it doesn't necessarily mean that one things causes another to increase.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Computing guide library.