M.W.P.Strandberg's Home
Page: Top
...
Next: Summary Remarks
Up: Collecting Data: Six Years
Previous: Collecting Data: Six Years
The expected deviation curves shown in the figures are larger than the
standard deviation for a random distribution. This keeps them from
encumbering the space within which the cumulative mean varies. The figures
show a sequence of means for a series of recalculations of the binomial
samples that represent the counting of peas or plants that Mendel carried
out. In all the figures except f), it would be possible to show mean
counts that were nearly exact by stopping the count early. In a) would
your subconscious tell you to stop at 15 or 50 samples, or would you
persist to a large sample count, and move from the exact value for
credibility? In b), after 100 samples the mean persists at near the exact
value. How many samples would you count? You face the same dilemma in c),
d), and e). It will be hard for you to over rule your subconscious and try
for an error sufficient to make it appear that you are not fudging the
results. Figure f) does make an honest man out of you with no effort on your
part. Given the character of actual cumulative mean curves I conclude that
the chi square test of the data of Mendel is simply too
unsophisticated to be relevant.
Next: Summary Remarks
Up: Collecting Data: Six Years
Previous: Collecting Data: Six Years
M.W.P.Strandberg's Home
Page: Top
...
Malcom W. P. Strandberg
2000-07-13