The demographic table plays an important role in reporting study results. It numerically summarizes key characteristics of study participants (such as age, gender, ethnicity, work status). In health studies, the demographic table may also include a summary of baseline biometric data. Because the demographic table is introductory in nature, it is often one the first tables found in the results section of dissertations and peer-reviewed publications. Performing a Google image search (keywords: “demographic table” descriptive statistics) will offer the graduate-level learner many useful examples of the varying styles commonly found in health care literature.

Scatterplots are a tool used early in the analytical process by the researcher to explore relationships between variables. Although the selection of pairings of variables (for example, age versus weight) in public health data sets are usually driven by common sense, it is also common to simply create a grid of all possible variable combinations. In this assignment, you will be asked to only report one scatterplot.

Instructions

Prior to populating your demographic table, analyze descriptive statistics in your statistical software for the following selected variables from the Framingham study data set (linked in the Resources):

• age1 (age in years).
• bmi1 (body mass index).
• cursmoke1 (current smoker).
• glucose1 (glucose in mg/dl).
• totchol1 (total cholesterol in mg/dl).

Then, write a narrative summary using relevant statistical data and terminology. Format your summary using APA style.

• An APA Style Paper Tutorial is provided to help you in writing and formatting your summary.
• Your summary should be 1–2 pages in length, not including the title page and references page.

Note: The requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the rubric. Be sure that you address each point, at a minimum. You may also want to read the Creating and Interpreting a Demographic Table and Scatterplot rubric to better understand how each criterion will be assessed.

Based on the results from the descriptive statistics, and using How to Create a Demographic Table as a reference document, complete the following tasks:

• Perform appropriate descriptive statistics for selected variables in a data set.
  • Provide your statistical rationale.
• Create a demographic table, using your statistical software, populated with your descriptive data. Be sure to:
  • Use the appropriate type of descriptive statistic according to the measurement level of the variable.
  • Use the correct table format and follow the guidance provided in the resource How to Create a Demographic Table.
• Create a scatterplot, using statistical software, that visually depicts the relationships of the variables age1 and glucose1 in your data.
• Interpret the statistical results.
  • Write a scholarly narrative summary and interpretation of the results that includes your demographic table.
  • Write a separate summary for the scatterplot.
  • Cite at least one scholarly source to support your summary interpretation.
• Write clearly and concisely, using correct grammar, mechanics, and APA formatting.
  • Express your main points and conclusions coherently.
  • Proofread your writing to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on the substance of your statistical analysis.

Submission Instructions

After you have created your demographic table and scatterplot, insert the table and scatterplot graphic into a Word document with your narrative summary.

Submit both the Word document and .jasp file that shows your output for this assignment. Make sure you save your .jasp file after you run your analyses to ensure the outputs are saved.

Resources

Use this file for this week's assignment. Framingham Week 3 [XLSX]

• How to Create a Demographic Table [PPTX].
• Framingham Heart Study Longitudinal Data Documentation [PDF].
• Framingham Study [ZIP].
• APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX]Links to an external site..

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:

• Competency 1: Analyze quantitative data using computer-based software.
  • Perform appropriate descriptive statistics for selected variables in a data set.
  • Create a demographic table populated with descriptive data.
  • Create a scatterplot that visually depicts the relationships of selected variables in descriptive data.
• Competency 2: Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice.
  • Interpret statistical test results.
• Competency 3: Communicate in a concise manner, writing clearly with correct use of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA style.
  • Write clearly and concisely, using correct grammar, mechanics, and APA formatting.