Last updated: October 22, 2026 · Written by the Math Made Easy math teachers
Looking for 6th grade statistical questions and data displays? Then this Grade 6 lesson on Asking Statistical Questions and Showing Data explains each idea step by step, with worked examples.
Quick answer: A statistical question expects different answers from one data set, like “How many goals does the team score per game?” Data can be shown in a dot plot, a histogram or a box plot. To describe a distribution, give the number of observations, the attribute and unit, the center, the spread and the shape.
Standards: 6.SP.A.1, 6.SP.A.2, 6.SP.B.4, 6.SP.B.5a, 6.SP.B.5b · Level: Grade 6
What makes a question statistical?
A statistical question expects answers that vary. “How many goals did the Hawks score on Saturday?” has one answer. “How many goals do the Hawks score in a game?” invites many different answers, so it is statistical.
A distribution describes how the values of a data set are spread out. Its center is a typical value, its spread shows how far values range, and its shape shows where they pile up.
How do dot plots, histograms and box plots display a distribution?
A dot plot puts one dot above a number line for every observation. A histogram groups values into equal intervals and uses bar height for the count. A box plot marks the minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile and maximum.
| Display | Best for | Shows exact values? |
|---|---|---|
| Dot plot | Small data sets of whole numbers | Yes |
| Histogram | Large data sets grouped in intervals | No |
| Box plot | Comparing spread and the middle half | No |
How do you describe a data set?
- State the number of observations, the attribute measured and its unit.
- Find the least and greatest values.
- Name a center: where the data cluster or the median.
- Describe spread and shape, including gaps or unusual values.
The dot plot shows 15 games. The attribute is goals scored, in goals. Values run from 0 to 7. Most games cluster at 1 to 3 goals with a peak at 2. A single 7 trails off to the right.
The distribution is skewed right, centered near 2 goals.
Reading a histogram as exact values. A bar for 30–39 minutes says how many values fall in that interval, not what each value is.
In a box plot each of the four sections holds about one quarter of the data, even when the sections have very different lengths.
- A statistical question anticipates variability in the answers.
- A dot plot shows every value; a histogram groups values into intervals.
- A box plot is drawn from the minimum, Q1, median, Q3 and maximum.
- Describe a distribution by its center, spread and shape.
Asking Statistical Questions and Showing Data: frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a question is statistical?
Ask whether you expect the answers to vary. If every person or trial could give a different value, it is statistical. If it has one fixed answer, it is not.
What is the difference between a dot plot and a histogram?
A dot plot shows each observation as a dot, so exact values can be read. A histogram groups values into intervals and shows only how many fall in each one.
What does a box plot show?
A box plot shows the minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile and maximum on a number line. Each section holds about one quarter of the data.
What is the shape of a distribution?
The shape describes where the data pile up. It may be symmetric, skewed to the right with a long tail of large values, or skewed to the left.
What should I include when I describe a data set?
Give the number of observations, the attribute measured and its unit, then the center, the spread and the shape. Mention any gaps or unusual values.
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