ERIC Number: EJ1225203
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1069-1898
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Available Date: N/A
Introducing Bayesian Analysis with m&m's®: An Active-Learning Exercise for Undergraduates
Eadie, Gwendolyn; Huppenkothen, Daniela; Springford, Aaron; McCormick, Tyler
Journal of Statistics Education, v27 n2 p60-67 2019
We present an active-learning strategy for undergraduates that applies Bayesian analysis to candy-covered chocolate m&m's®. The exercise is best suited for small class sizes and tutorial settings, after students have been introduced to the concepts of Bayesian statistics. The exercise takes advantage of the nonuniform distribution of m&m's® colors, and the difference in distributions made at two different factories. In this paper, we provide the intended learning outcomes, lesson plan and step-by-step guide for instruction, and open-source teaching materials. We also suggest an extension to the exercise for the graduate level, which incorporates hierarchical Bayesian analysis.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Bayesian Statistics, Active Learning, Learning Activities, Advanced Courses, Statistical Distributions, Student Educational Objectives, Teaching Methods, Lesson Plans, Instructional Materials, Open Source Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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