AQA GCSE Physical Education (8582) · Paper 1
📊 Use of Data
Revision notes written to the specification, with examiner tips and the required practicals. Every point here has flashcards in the Stickwise app.
Types of data, graphs & interpretation
In this topic, data collected in physical activity and sport is described using precise technical terms, and presented clearly in charts, graphs and tables. Using the correct term matters, since exam questions often ask for the type of data to be identified or justified.
Types of data
Quantitative dataThis is information based on numbers, gathered by counting or measuring, such as a heart rate in beats per minute or the number of press-ups completed.
Qualitative dataThis is descriptive, non-numerical information based on opinions or observations, such as a coach's written comments on a performer's technique.
Discrete dataThis can only take whole number values, with nothing possible in between, such as the number of goals scored in a match: a team cannot score half a goal.
Continuous dataThis can take any value, including decimals and fractions, within a range, such as the time taken to run 100m or a performer's height.
Presenting data
Once data is collected, it needs to be presented clearly so it can be understood at a glance. Different tools suit different purposes.
Bar chartThis uses separate bars of different heights to compare data between categories, such as the sport played by each year group, with a gap left between each bar.
Line graphThis plots points and joins them with a line to show a trend over continuous data, such as time, for example heart rate during exercise.
TableThis organises raw data into rows and columns with clear headings, so exact values can be compared and averages calculated.
A few rules keep any chart or graph accurate and easy to read, whichever type is used. Missing one of them is a common way to lose an easy mark.
- Labelling both axes clearly.
- Using an even, consistent scale.
- Giving the chart or graph a title.
- Leaving an equal gap between each bar on a bar chart, since the categories are not continuous.
- Joining the plotted points with a single line on a line graph, to show the trend.
🎯 Examiner tip: Questions that ask for a type of data are answered best with a one-sentence justification using the correct technical term, such as 'discrete, because the number of goals scored can only be a whole number'. When interpreting a graph or table, the actual figures shown should be quoted, rather than only describing the general trend.
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