M and M Project – Fall 2009
This project is designed to help you express your creativity as well as challenge your statistics knowledge. Given a bag of M&M's, your project will be to create data and outline an experiment with your “experimental units”. The object is to match the ideas presented in each of the first 9 chapters of the book. I expect you to be creative and thorough in your implementation of this project. I have included a list of topics to help you do it! Use the book as the basis of this project. Include lots of vocabulary (bold each word used, but don’t define it). I want to see raw data in a graphical form (NOT a table or a list). Among things I expect to see are:
· Chapters 1-2
ONE univariate data set with graph and analysis (like the developed project). Set
up some sort of sampling design with your "population" and tie in the use of table A
in some fashion. Draw and use the density curve that you created (ask a question about it and use your data to answer your own question like the example questions in the chapter). Also include 1 variable stats (x-bar, five number summary, IQR, range, variance, standard deviation), graphs (stemplot/histogram/boxplot), a frequency table, a pie chart for qualitative data, Chebyshev’s/Empirical Rule, and percentiles.
· Chapter 3
Bivariate data set with scatterplot, residual plot, vital stats and analysis (like the
developed project - draw it and label it), response/explanatory variables defined,
direction, form, strength, outliers/influential points, lurking variables, slope
interpretation
· Chapter 4
Find some way to produce nonlinear data (see activity 4 for some hints) and do all
the same things with that data you did for the chapter 3 information; perform a
transformation and include a new graph (power or exponential) with a residual
graph. Using categorical data, show a two-way table (at least 2x2 with marginal and
conditional distributions, labeling the column and row variables). Also include an
appropriate lurking variable model (causation, common response, confounding).
· Chapter 5
Show me a well-designed experiment (do NOT run this experiment, just design it).
Include these topics: randomization, replication, treatment/control. Also address
bias, a graph, number of subjects
· Chapter 6
Show two basic probability models (you will need 2 sample spaces with their
corresponding probabilities and their events), a Venn diagram with joint probability,
include some examples that show the “5 rules,” and use the two-way table to ask
and answer probability questions (let the examples in Ch 6 be your guide here).
· Chapter 7
An application of some sort of density curve, some use of a discrete random
variable (if you can think of a way to show/discuss a continuous random variable
that would be a plus); include a graph
· Chapter 8
Geometric and Binomial models including the collection of data, graphs of actual
and theoretical outcomes. Also ask and answer questions like the examples in Ch 8.
· Chapter 9
Apply picking red M&M’s to chapter 9. Use vocab, show chart with raw data,
show graphs, create a question like example 9.8, show work and solve.
NO COVER PAGE OR FOLDER NECESSARY. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY DEADLINE, NO EXCEPTIONS, NO EXCUSES, NO KIDDING. You may not have more than 11 pages total. Do NOT use a full page for each graph. The final project will be worth 90 points.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Oct 19 (5-point check-up. 1 point per chapter): You must turn in a “rough outline” of the information you are going to do for chapters 1-5. It doesn’t have to be extremely detailed, but it can’t be too vague either. An idea of the experiment, what two univariate data set ideas you are going to use, what “visual graphs” you will use, what kind of non linear data you are going to collect and what data you are going to use for a two-way table. Include the raw data graph in this. It should be about one page long and should have a basic outline of your introduction. You should have already started collecting your data by now.
Oct 23 (1st check-up: 25pts. 5 points per chapter except 1-2, which is 5pts; clarity/polish/organization = 5pts): You should have all of your chapter 1-5 stuff done. This is a “pre-grade” for the final marking. Most of your work and math should be done. If I make no marks on your information, it is complete and you can use it again. (I won’t mark it so you can reuse the pages; I will ONLY accept chapter 1-5 stuff).
Oct 29 (2nd check-up: 25pts) 5 points per chapter 6-9, clarity/polish/organization = 5pts): You should have all of your chapter 6-9 stuff done. This is a “pre-grade” for the final marking. Most of your work and math should be done. If I make no marks on your information, it is complete and you can use it again. (I won’t mark it so you can reuse the pages; I will ONLY accept chapter 6-9 stuff).
Nov 3 (Final Report 35 points. 3 points per chapter 1-9, 1 point for introduction, 1 point for vocabulary usage, and 1 point for the conclusion, 5pts for clarity/polish/organization): Project is due in its entirety.
Advice from a student who already did this project:
The easiest way to do this is to go through the book and make an outline of the main points discussed in each chapter. Think of an experiment and then simply go through your outline and relate your experiment to each point mentioned. It can seem overwhelming at first but if your break it up it’s not bad at all…. DON’T procrastinate. Also, this is one time that while creativity is always appreciated it can also hurt you if it’s too complex.