Sorting out the rubbish – Analysis

• Introduction
• Background
• Study Design
• Data Collection
• Analysis
• Data

The figure shows boxplots for companies with more than 10 weights recorded between January & June, 1997.

Summary

Ian Gordon disagreed with Dr. Johns’ analysis. Ian proposed alternative methods of assessing the weighbridge data; he suggested that the assumption that net weights were uniform over one tonne ranges was questionable, and commented on the selectivity of the analyses presented.

A puzzle solved

Click to hear from Ian Gordon

Questions to consider

• Produce a graphical display that will make the problem with the weights of company 2 apparent to Council members.
• Consider Dr Johns’ analysis. Review and comment on his assumptions.
• Do you expect the distribution of net weights within a 1 tonne range to be uniformly distributed? Explain why or why not.
• Draw graphical displays to describe the distribution of net weights within 1 tonne ranges for different companies.
• Consider Dr. Johns’ conclusion about unusual counts within 1 tonne net weight ranges. Propose and carry out an alternative analysis for the 7 to 8 tonne range for company 11, assuming the uniform model. Are Dr. Johns’ conclusions reasonable in this case?
• Repeat the analysis above for another weight range for company 11.
• Dr. Johns chose subsets of the data to analyse. Is there a problem with this? How would you overcome it?
• Has the Dr. Johns provided sufficient evidence for his conclusions? Explain why or why not.
• Is there anything wrong with the weighbridge? Write a brief report to Council.