SPS SPS SM Statistics 2026 January — Question 3

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS SM Statistics (SPS SM Statistics)
Year2026
SessionJanuary
TopicData representation
TypeMisinterpretation of data in graphs

3. Researchers investigated the change in the numbers of people in employment using underground, metro, light rail or tram (UMLRT) between 2001 and 2011. The data are combined for those Local Authorities (LAs) with UMLRT stations into five regions: Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Rotherham, and Tyne and Wear. Fig. 1 shows the total numbers of people in employment in those LAs. Fig. 2 shows the total numbers of people in employment who use UMLRT in those LAs. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fdff6575-679e-4d25-ad43-e9d343c1746f-08_834_1694_836_166}
\end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fdff6575-679e-4d25-ad43-e9d343c1746f-08_833_1694_1822_166}
\end{figure}
  1. Use these charts to explain which of Birmingham and Liverpool has the larger proportion of people in employment who used UMLRT in 2011. One of the researchers says, "Between 2001 and 2011, the increase in the number of people in employment who use UMLRT is greatest in Tyne and Wear." Sam says, "But what matters more is which region has the greatest increase in the proportion of people in employment who use UMLRT."
  2. Give a reason why the planners responsible for the building of trains and the maintenance of infrastructure might disagree with Sam.
  3. Explain whether those responsible for encouraging the greater use of public transport would agree with Sam.
  4. The charts are compiled from data in the Large Data Set by using those LAs which contain UMLRT stations in each region. Explain a disadvantage of using these data.