Two-Way Tables
Construct two-way tables and discuss possible relationship between categorical variables.
A two-way table sorts the same group of people by two things at once. Build it correctly and every probability question about that group can be read straight off it.
Method
The corner total is everyone
The bottom-right cell is the whole group. Every total must lead back to it.
Rows and columns both add to it
Each row total and each column total must add to the grand total. This is your check.
Four inner cells, four totals
With two categories you have 4 inner cells, 2 row totals, 2 column totals and 1 grand total. Nine numbers.
Any missing cell can be found
If you know three numbers in a row, you know the fourth. Work outwards from whatever you are given.
Worked example
e.g.
- Draw the frame. Two categories across, two down, with a Total row and column.
- Fill in everything you are told. Do not calculate yet.
- Complete any row or column that is missing one number.
- Fill those in, then finish the rest the same way.
- Check both ways before using it. Rows across, columns down.
- Now read probabilities straight off it. The denominator is whichever total you are inside.
Practice
Complete each table, then answer the question.
1
Answer
2
Answer
3
Answer
4
Answer
5
Answer