AQA GCSE PE Use of data: a complete overview of collecting, presenting and analysing data

Use of data is the smallest topic in AQA GCSE PE, but data questions can appear in both papers and are easy marks if you are prepared. It links closely to fitness testing. This guide maps the two areas.

Collecting and presenting data

Always label the axes, give the units, add a title and use a sensible scale.

Analysing and interpreting data

To analyse data you find averages and spread:

• Mean: the total divided by the number of values, $\text{mean} = \frac{\text{sum of values}}{\text{number of values}}$.
• Median: the middle value when the data are in order.
• Mode: the most common value.
• Range: the highest value minus the lowest, $\text{range} = \text{highest} - \text{lowest}$.

You also read trends from graphs (rising, falling or steady) and draw conclusions that use the actual figures and link back to the question, for example judging whether a training programme improved fitness.

How to revise this topic

1. Learn the data types with an example of each.
2. Match the chart to the data (line for time, bar for categories).
3. Practise the mean, median, mode and range until they are automatic.
4. Describe trends using figures from the graph.
5. Write conclusions justified by the data, not by opinion.