Lesson 4: When Real Data Surprises You

About 30 minutes — Discussion-based lesson

What You Will Learn

This lesson covers:

When data contradicts your expectations
The importance of following evidence, not assumptions
Missing data and what to do about it
Embracing surprise: the best discoveries come from unexpected findings

When data contradicts your expectations

This section covers the key ideas about when data contradicts your expectations. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

The importance of following evidence, not assumptions

This section covers the key ideas about the importance of following evidence, not assumptions. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Missing data and what to do about it

This section covers the key ideas about missing data and what to do about it. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Embracing surprise: the best discoveries come from unexpected findings

This section covers the key ideas about embracing surprise: the best discoveries come from unexpected findings. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Check Your Understanding

1. What should you do when data contradicts what you expected?

Answer: Trust the data, not your assumptions. Check for errors first, but if the data is correct, your assumption was wrong — and that is how you learn.

2. What is missing data?

Answer: Gaps in a dataset where information was not recorded. Real data almost always has some missing values. Note them and consider how they might affect your conclusions.

3. Why are surprises in data valuable?

Answer: Because surprising findings often lead to the most important discoveries. If data always matched expectations, we would never learn anything new.

4. How should you report unexpected findings?

Answer: Honestly! State what you expected, what you found, and why the difference matters. Never hide findings just because they surprised you.

Key Takeaways

When data contradicts your expectations
The importance of following evidence, not assumptions
Missing data and what to do about it
Embracing surprise: the best discoveries come from unexpected findings

Ready for More?

Practice & Quiz

Try the practice activities and take the session quiz!

Practice Activities

Session Home

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