JMP platforms and statistical methods

Graph Builder:
Mosaic plot

Distribution:
Bar charts, confidence intervals for proportions

Categorical:
Contingency table chi-square analysis, multiple comparisons, confidence intervals for proportions

Formula Editor:
Creating a new variable

Objective

Use statistical inference methods for proportions including confidence intervals, chi-squares analysis, and multiple comparisons to understand parents’ opinion regarding a new food program in schools.

Problem statement

A public school district has proposed a new food program aimed at improving student nutrition by providing more meals and healthy snacks throughout the school day. The program would include free breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for all students, regardless of their parents’ economic level. The district believes these changes could improve focus, reduce hunger, and support better academic outcomes. However, funding the food program would require cuts in other school programs, such as after-school activities and clubs.

To assess support for such a program, a survey was distributed to parents of children at three elementary schools in the district. One of the primary survey questions asked if parents are in favor of the program with only two possible answers (In Favor and Opposed). The response rate was about 60%.

The analyses conducted will focus on summarizing the opinions of the responders, conducting statistical tests to assess differences across the three schools, determining if parents’ opinions depend on how many children they have in school.