Bowling and Secondary Data Analysis: The Case of EDLPS 598BJennifer Lee Hoffman

1. Bowling and Secondary Data Analysis: The Case of EDLPS 598B Jennifer Lee Hoffman, PhD, University of Washington Introduction Bowling is an activity that is often played for fun and recreation. Yet, the use of bowling data for other purposes has started to receive more attention in the Secondary Data course in the College of Education at the University of Washington. What can we learn about students in secondary data analysis by the characteristics of the equipment they select? In this study, data from the EDLPS 598 course is presented. Analysis of this data begins to explain the preferences and scores of students interested in secondary data analysis. Findings For this analysis, the Bowling Data 2007 data set was used. This included a sample of individual bowling scores, weight of the ball and other characteristics from the EDLPS 598B class. The average team score, was 297.2 points, with the median team score 296 points. Team scores overall were consistent with the novice level indicated by most participants in the class. The equipment that bowlers chose was described by the color and weight of the ball, shoe color. Figure 1, Weight of Bowling Ball By Bowler, is described by the order of their ID number. The weight of the ball in pounds, is consistent with few outliers. Conclusion The question of what kind of equipment a secondary data analysis student selects depends on many factors. Analysis of data on the ball type, weight, and shoe color in this class yields consistency in some selections and divergence in others. Future analysis to explain the other factors might include, correlating the skill of the bowler with the weight of the ball. Source: EDLPS 598 Bowling Data (2007)