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2000
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In the Classroom
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Tested Demonstrations
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An In-Class Experiment to Illustrate the Importance of Sampling Techniques and Statistical Analysis of Data to Quantitative Analysis Students
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JudithAnn R. Hartman
Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402-5026
checked by: Daniel W. Bacon
Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530
checked by: Wayne C. Wolsey
Department of Chemistry, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN 55105-1899
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August 2000
Vol. 77 No. 8
p. 1017
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| Abstract |
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A simple in-class experiment designed to show the importance of sampling protocol and the use
of statistics in data analyses is described. Two samples are presented to the class, an unmixed
core sample and a mixed core sample. The samples contain equal amounts of two colors of otherwise
identical candies. The candies in the unmixed sample are in two separate layers in a tall opaque
cup and the candies in the mixed sample are in a paper bag. The class is divided into two groups,
each of which repeatedly analyzes one of the samples by each person drawing out one candy. The
results from each analysis (as a percentage of one of the colors) are tabulated on the blackboard
and used to discuss what constitutes a good sampling protocol and a good sample. In addition, the
results are used throughout the entire unit on statistics to demonstrate many calculations such
as pooling data, comparison of means, confidence limits, and the use of Student's t-test. This
demonstration has proved to be useful for engaging the interest of most students in sampling and
statistics, and it is a particularly effective means of teaching active learners the very
formalistic subject of statistics.
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| More Information |
 Citation |
Hartman, JudithAnn R. J. Chem. Educ. 2000 77 1017.
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Keywords |
Analytical Chemistry; Quantitative Analysis; Statistics / Data Analysis; Demonstrations; Teaching/Learning Aids; Problem-Based Learning
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
July 5, 2000
April 15, 2005
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