Navigation

 

Abstract

    We decide to perform this study to determine whether or not there is an affect on a student's overall GPA based on the amount of hours they spend each week on extracurricular activities.  Our sample was taken from 50 students in each grade level (9th-12th) of North Olmsted High School.  While doing our background research we found many similar studies to the one we were performing that produced the same outcome as ours.  These results showed that the two variables are dependent of one another, and that the number of hours spent on extracurricular activities each week does have an affect on a student's overall GPA. 

    We used a stratified sample of 200 randomly selected students.  Of these students, 150 of them returned our survey.  This was an observational study, although we took into consideration that some of our answers might be biased due to the fact that the names of the students were on the survey.  However, we still expected most of the responses to be honest.

    We collected our data and put it into MiniTab.  We then used the Chi-Squared test for independence which then yielded a p-value of .003.  At first our test was invalid because we had some cell counts that were less than five.  We then had to combine some of our categories to get rid of this problem.  After limiting our categories down to a 2 by 2 table, we then successfully ran the test.  The final analysis showed that the two variables were dependent on one another. 

 

Statement of the Problem

    The purpose of our project is to decide whether there is an association between a student’s overall GPA and the amount of hours they spend on extracurricular activities. Katie and I both participate in extra-curricular activities and we still manage to maintain a good GPA. What we wanted to figure out is could it be the same for other students? Can they participate in extra-curricular activities and still maintain a good GPA, perhaps higher than those who do not participate in these activities? Our main goal is to try and figure out is a student who’s involved in extra-curricular activities going to have a lower GPA than those who aren’t involved? It’s possible that students who aren’t involved in these activities have more time to dedicate to their studies and homework, thus receiving better grades and overall GPA.