Living standards

Living standards

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources

In a survey taken in 1994, 1000 New Zealanders over the age of 15 years were asked about their standard of living. 
A similar survey was carried out in 1985. Some of the results are given in the table below. 
The percentages are of those who said they were 'delighted' with their present standard of living.

Income
level		 TOTAL
SAMPLE		 Up to
$4,000		 $4,001
to
$10,000		 $10,001
to
$15,000		 $15,001
to
$25,000		 $25,001
to
$35,000		 Over
$35,000
% delighted
(1985)
 59% 61% 52% 58% 57% 73% 83%
% delighted
(1994)
 39% 41% 30% 33% 34% 49% 52%
 
a)
 
Which income group had the fewest people who were delighted with their standard of living in 1994?
 
____________________
 
b)
 In general, are people happier or not so happy, with their income level in 1994 than they were in 1985?
 
_____________________
 
c)
Which income group showed the biggest drop in 'levels of delight' between 1985 and 1994?
 
____________________
Task administration: 
This task is completed with pencil and paper only.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Statistics, Statistical investigations
Keywords: 
table interpretation
Description of task: 
Students interpret a table of survey results displayed as percentages.
Curriculum Links: 
This resource can be used to help to identify students' ability to interpret a table of percentages.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Statistical investigations, set 5
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y8 (10/1996)

Y9 (10/1996)
a) $4,001 to $10,000 (accept $4,001) easy very easy
b) Not so happy moderate easy
c) Over $35,000 moderate easy
Next steps: 
EXTENSION:
Ask students for their reposnse and reasoning for the following statement.
By and large, do these figures show that the more money you have the happier you are? (Give reasons for your answer.)
 
EXTENSION ANSWER:
This question could be used to show the use of statistical surveys in social policy formation. The answer appears to be "Partially, but the 'Up to $4,000' income group proves an exception." Class discussion could centre on who is likely to comprise this group, and why money is not so important to their happiness. Discussion could include the question "Is 'delight with standard of living' a good measure of happiness?"