pdf Comparative Box Plot Analysis

This comparative box-and-whisker plot worksheet gives students practice analyzing and comparing pairs of data distributions. Students examine four sets of parallel box plots and compare their medians, interquartile ranges, and overall ranges. The contexts include quiz scores, unit test scores, independent reading time, and homework completion time.

The activity helps students connect the visual features of a box plot with measures of center and variability. Students estimate and compare median values, use interquartile range to determine which group is more consistent, and compare the total spread of each distribution. Each question requires students to support their conclusion with values taken from the graphs.

This resource works well for instruction, guided practice, independent practice, review, intervention, or assessment. It moves students beyond reading a single box plot by requiring comparative reasoning about two populations. The worksheet prepares students for more advanced work involving statistical inference, variability, representative samples, and comparisons between data distributions.

Skills Assessed

• Reading box-and-whisker plots
• Comparing medians
• Calculating and comparing interquartile ranges
• Comparing overall ranges
• Using IQR to evaluate consistency
• Comparing two data distributions
• Supporting conclusions with numerical evidence

Details

• 4 pages
• 4 comparative box-plot investigations
• 8 box-and-whisker plots
• 12 comparison and analysis questions
• Median, IQR, range, and consistency comparisons
• Complete answer key included
• Numerical evidence included with each answer

ID# 0782