Introduction: In these instructions, we will use the example above (“Favorite Ice Cream Flavors and Gender Preferences”) as an example of a project to perform for this class. Please choose a different question to ask for your project, and use this as a guide for what your project will look like. Be sure that whatever question you ask, it represents a comparison of two different categories. For example, the question “Is there a predictive relationship between car type and gender?” would relate categories of car types (sedan, SUV, pickup trucks, hatchback, etc.) to gender (M, F, etc.).
Another example would be, “Does someone’s preferred media type change depending on generation?” This would relate media types like television, books, online text, online video, social media feeds, etc., to someone’s generation (Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millenial, Gen Z, etc.).
In the Ice Cream and Gender Preferences sample project below (your project must be different, but you can use this project as a model), we will investigate whether there is a significant association between people’s favorite ice cream flavors and their gender.
We will use the chi-square test for independence to analyze the data you collect and draw conclusions based on your findings. This project will help you understand how to perform and use hypothesis testing in the real world.
Materials Needed:
Data collection sheet (you can use any format that works for you).
Pens/pencils for data collection.
Computer or calculator.
Data Collection:
Formulate a plan to collect data from a sample of individuals. You can approach friends, family members, classmates, or any group of people willing to participate in your survey. (Note: this is a convenience sample, which does not generally yield valid results. You may put in more effort toward creating a better sample design, but please be mindful of the time we have left in the class.)
Create a data collection sheet with two columns: one for favorite ice cream flavors and one for gender. Include at least five different ice cream flavors and categories for male, female, and non-binary genders (if you choose).
Aim to gather data from at least 25 participants to ensure an adequate sample size for the chi-square test.
Data Entry:
Use your data collection sheet to organize your data into a contingency table with rows for each ice cream flavor and columns for male and female respondents.
Count the number of individuals who prefer each ice cream flavor for each gender and fill in the corresponding cells in the contingency table.
Submit a photo of this sheet for credit. Be sure to hold on to this sheet, since you will use it in future assignments.
