Bowling and Secondary Data Analysis: The Case of EDLPS 598B

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Bowling and Secondary Data Analysis The Case of
EDLPS 598B Jennifer Lee Hoffman, PhD, University
of Washington
Introduction Bowling is an activity that is
often played for fun and recreation. Yet, the use
of bowling data for other purposes has started to
receive more attention in the Secondary Data
course in the College of Education at the
University of Washington. What can we learn about
students in secondary data analysis by the
characteristics of the equipment they select?
In this study, data from the EDLPS 598 course
is presented. Analysis of this data begins to
explain the preferences and scores of students
interested in secondary data analysis.
Findings For this analysis, the Bowling Data
2007 data set was used. This included a sample of
individual bowling scores, weight of the ball and
other characteristics from the EDLPS 598B class.
The average team score, was 297.2 points, with
the median team score 296 points. Team scores
overall were consistent with the novice level
indicated by most participants in the class. The
equipment that bowlers chose was described by the
color and weight of the ball, shoe color. Figure
1, Weight of Bowling Ball By Bowler, is described
by the order of their ID number. The weight of
the ball in pounds, is consistent with few
outliers.
Conclusion The question of what kind of
equipment a secondary data analysis student
selects depends on many factors. Analysis of data
on the ball type, weight, and shoe color in this
class yields consistency in some selections and
divergence in others. Future analysis to
explain the other factors might include,
correlating the skill of the bowler with the
weight of the ball.
Source EDLPS 598 Bowling Data (2007)