The DSAT, or the Digital Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test that measures the mathematical and analytical skills of candidates who want to pursue a career in data science. The DSAT consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, logic, and data analysis. The DSAT Math tests the ability to apply mathematical concepts and techniques to real-world problems and reason and communicate effectively with data.
The DSAT is not an easy test, and many candidates need help with the math section, which accounts for 50% of the total score. The math section of the DSAT is challenging and tricky, as it often involves traps, tricks, and pitfalls that can confuse or mislead the test-takers. Therefore, candidates must be aware of these common pitfalls and avoid them when solving DSAT math problems.
This article will discuss some of the most common pitfalls that candidates encounter when solving DSAT math problems and provide some tips and strategies to avoid them.
DSAT Math Pitfall 1: Not Reading the Question Carefully
One of the most common pitfalls that candidates face when solving DSAT math problems is not reading the question carefully. This can lead to misunderstanding the problem, missing important information, or making incorrect assumptions.
For example, consider the following question:
A data analyst wants to estimate the mean height of 10,000 people. He randomly selects a sample of 100 people and measures their heights. The sample mean is 170 cm, and the standard deviation is 10 cm. What is the 95% confidence interval for the population mean?
A) (168.2, 171.8)
B) (169.6, 170.4)
C) (166.1, 173.9)
D) (164.5, 175.5)
Some candidates might be tempted to choose option A, thinking the 95% confidence interval is simply the sample mean plus or minus two times the sample standard deviation. However, this is a wrong answer, as it does not consider the sample size.
To avoid this pitfall, candidates should read the question carefully and identify the critical information, such as the population parameter, the sample statistic, the confidence level, and the sample size. They should also pay attention to the question’s wording, such as whether it asks for an estimate, a range, a probability, or a percentage. They should also check the units and the scale of the answer choices and ensure they are consistent with the question.
DSAT Math Pitfall 2: Not Checking the Answer Choices
Another common pitfall for candidates when solving DSAT math problems is not checking the answer choices. This can lead to wasting time, making careless mistakes, or choosing the wrong answer.
For example, consider the following question:
A data scientist wants to test the hypothesis that the mean weight of a particular dog breed is 20 kg. He collects a random sample of 25 dogs of that breed and finds that their mean weight is 18 kg and their standard deviation is 4 kg. What is the p-value of the test?
A) 0.0062
B) 0.0124
C) 0.0248
D) 0.0496
Then, they might use a table or a calculator to find the p-value, which is the probability of getting a test statistic as extreme or more extreme than the observed one, assuming the null hypothesis is true. However, this is a tedious and unnecessary process, as they can simply check the answer choices and use some logic and common sense to eliminate the wrong ones. For example, they can reason as follows:
- The test is one-tailed; the alternative hypothesis is that the mean weight is less than 20 kg. Therefore, the p-value is the area under the t-distribution curve to the left of the test statistic.
- The test statistic is negative, meaning the sample mean is below the hypothesized population mean. Therefore, the p-value is less than 0.5, which eliminates option D.
- The test statistic is significant in magnitude, so the sample mean is far from the hypothesized population mean. Therefore, the p-value is small, which eliminates option C.
- The test statistic is close to -2, corresponding to a p-value of about 0.025 for a one-tailed test with 24 degrees of freedom. Therefore, the p-value is slightly smaller than 0.025, eliminating option B.
DSAT Math Pitfall 3: Not Using the Data Given
A third common pitfall for candidates when solving DSAT math problems is not using the data given. This can lead to missing important information, making invalid inferences, or choosing the wrong answer.
For example, consider the following question:
A data analyst wants to compare the mean scores of two groups of students who took the same test. He randomly assigns 50 students to group A and 50 to group B. He gives group A a review session before the test and group B no review session. He then administers the test and records the scores. The summary statistics are as follows:
| Group | Mean | Standard Deviation |
| A | 75 | 10 |
| B | 70 | 15 |
What can he conclude from the data?
A) There is a significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups.
B) There is no significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups.
C) The review session positively affected the mean score of group A.
D) The review session did not affect the mean score of group A.
Some candidates might be tempted to choose option A or C, thinking that the difference of 5 points between the mean scores of the two groups is large enough to be significant or that the review session caused the higher mean score of group A. However, these are wrong answers, as they do not use the data given, such as the standard deviations and the sample sizes.
The correct way to answer this question is to use a hypothesis test, such as the two-sample t-test, which can test whether the difference between the mean scores of the two groups is statistically significant or due to chance. The null hypothesis of the test is that there is no difference between the mean scores of the two groups, and the alternative hypothesis is that there is a difference.
Then, they can use a table or a calculator to find the p-value, which is the probability of getting a test statistic as extreme or more extreme than the observed one, assuming the null hypothesis is true. The test is two-tailed, as the alternative hypothesis is that the mean scores are different, not necessarily higher or lower. Therefore, the p-value is the area under the t-distribution curve to the left of -2.236 plus the area to the right of 2.236.
Therefore, the correct answer to this question is option A, as it is the only one supported by the data given. To avoid this pitfall, candidates should use the data given and apply the appropriate statistical methods and tests to answer the question. They should also be careful not to make any causal claims or inferences based on the data unless they have strong evidence or justification.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, solving DSAT math problems requires mathematical and analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Many candidates make common mistakes or fall into common pitfalls when solving DSAT math problems, such as not reading the question carefully, not checking the answer choices, not using the data given, or not considering all the possible cases.
These pitfalls can lead to incorrect or incomplete answers and lower the score and performance of the candidates. Contact Litera Centre, the most trusted source in your success pathway. Candidates must be aware of these pitfalls and avoid them when solving DSAT math problems. And We can help you to achieve today!
