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Discrete Random Variables: Lab I

Module by: Susan Dean, Barbara Illowsky, Ph.D.. E-mail the authors

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Summary: This module allows students to explore concepts related to discrete random variables through the use of a simple playing card experiment. Students will compare empirical data to a theoretical distribution to determine if the experiment fist a discrete distribution. This lab involves the concept of long-term probabilities.

Note: Your browser may not currently support MathML. See our browser support page for additional details. You can always view the correct math in the PDF version.

Class Time:

Names:

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • The student will compare empirical data and a theoretical distribution to determine if everyday experiment fits a discrete distribution.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding of long-term probabilities.

Supplies:

  • One full deck of playing cards

Procedure

The experiment procedure is to pick one card from a deck of shuffled cards.

  1. The theorectical probability of picking a diamond from a deck is: __________________
  2. Shuffle a deck of cards.
  3. Pick one card from it.
  4. Record whether it was a diamond or not a diamond.
  5. Put the card back and reshuffle.
  6. Do this a total of 10 times
  7. Record the number of diamonds picked.
  8. Let X=X= number of diamonds. Theoretically, XX ~ B(_____,_____)B(_____,_____)

Organize the Data

  1. 1. Record the number of diamonds picked for your class in the chart below. Then calculate the relative frequency.
    Table 1
    X Frequency Relative Frequency
    0 __________ __________
    1 __________ __________
    2 __________ __________
    3 __________ __________
    4 __________ __________
    5 __________ __________
    6 __________ __________
    7 __________ __________
    8 __________ __________
    9 __________ __________
    10 __________ __________
  2. 2. Calculate the following:
    • a. x¯ x =
    • b. ss =
  3. 3. Construct a histogram of the empirical data.
    Figure 1
    Blank graph with relative frequency on the vertical axis and number of diamonds on the horizontal axis.

Theoretical Distribution

  1. 1. Build the theoretical PDF chart for X based on the distribution in the Procedure section above.
    Table 2
    x x size 12{X} {} P X = x P X = x size 12{P left (X=x right )} {}
    0  
    1  
    2  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    6  
    7  
    8  
    9  
    10  
  2. 2. Calculate the following:
    • a. μ=μ= size 12{μ={}} {}________________________
    • b. σ=σ= size 12{σ={}} {}________________________
  3. 3. Constuct a histogram of the theoretical distribution.
    Figure 2
    Blank graph with relative frequency on the vertical axis and number of diamonds on the horizontal axis.

Using the Data

Calculate the following, rounding to 4 decimal places:

Note:

RF = relative frequency

Use the table from the section titled "Theoretical Distribution" here:

  • P ( X = 3 ) = P(X=3)=
  • P ( 1 < X < 4 ) = P(1<X<4)=
  • P ( X ≥ 8 ) = P(X≥8)=

Use the data from the section titled "Organize the Data" here:

  • RF ( X = 3 ) = RF(X=3)=
  • RF ( 1 < X < 4 ) = RF(1<X<4)=
  • RF ( X ≥ 8 ) = RF(X≥8)=

Discussion Questions

For questions 1. and 2., think about the shapes of the two graphs, the probabilities and the relative frequencies, the means, and the standard deviations.

  1. Knowing that data vary, describe three similarities between the graphs and distributions of the theoretical and empirical distributions. Use complete sentences. (Note: These answers may vary and still be correct.)
  2. Describe the three most significant differences between the graphs or distributions of the theoretical and empirical distributions. (Note: These answers may vary and still be correct.)
  3. Using your answers from the two previous questions, does it appear that the data fit the theoretical distribution? In 1 - 3 complete sentences, explain why or why not.
  4. Suppose that the experiment had been repeated 500 times. Which table (from "Organize the data" and "Theoretical Distributions") would you expect to change (and how would it change)? Why? Why wouldn’t the other table change?

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