NAME __________________________________

Background

In this experiment you will develop and utilize skills in the field of statistics. This analysis is based upon the probability that an event will happen. For any single event, there is a result. Therefore, if you flip a coin, it will come up heads or tails. A 50 - 50 % chance, either of the two probable outcomes is equally likely. This can be tested by flipping a coin a large number of times. Given a million flips, the expected value would be 500,000 heads, 500,000 tails. The mean and median would both be 500,000. There would be one mode.

In this experiment, the range of expected values is larger than the flipping of a coin. Your task is to extrapolate from the simple example of the coin flip to a problem with a greater range. First, you need to state the problem (hint: try to first define your range of answers.) And then to try to predict the outcomes, your hypotheses. Read the Materials and Methods ahead of this formulation so that you can develop a better concept of the the experiment, the process, and ways to visualize the results.

I. Introduction

Develop, on the back of this sheet, a statement as to the problem encountered herein and multiple hypotheses of what results you may obtain and why.

II. Materials & Methods:

A. Materials: a container of beans and a bean scoop.

B. Methods:

1. Dip a full scoop of beans. Be sure the scoop is CONSISTENTLY held in the same position for each scoop, and have ONE PERSON in the group make all of the scoops.
   
2. For each scoop of beans, count the beans and record the number as a colored mark (This requires the use of five different colors) on the data table below. Use a different color for each 20 count; do five 20 counts, for a total of 100 counts.
   
3. Return the beans to the container after EACH SCOOP.
   
4. At the end of counts 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100, record the data for each increment total on five stacked histograms, on a single sheet of paper, using different colors or shadings for each set.
   
5. In addition, determine the MEAN, MEDIAN, MODE, RANGE, and STANDARD DEVIATION (SD) for each total (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100) and record below and on the graph.