Statistics Activity: P-Value and Type I Error

Statistics Activity: Conducting a significance test and interpreting the p-value and type I error with M&M™ candy

 In this activity, students will use a population of M&M candies to conduct multiple significance tests in order to understand the p-value and what it represents, as well as its connection to the Type I error. Students can use fun size bags of M&Ms to build the population data and then use a calculator to simulate taking repeated samples from the population.

This activity can be used with your AP Statistics or regular level statistics class. These are the following skills covered:

Math Common Core Standards, High School: Probability and Statistics

• Use data from a randomized experiment to compare two treatments; use simulations to decide if differences between parameters are significant. (IC.B.5)

AP Statistics Course Exam Description

• VAR-6.D Identify the null and alternative hypotheses for a population proportion.
• VAR-6.F Verify the conditions for making statistical inferences when testing a population proportion.
• VAR-6.G Calculate an appropriate test statistic and p-value for a population proportion.
• DAT-3.A Interpret the p-value of a significance test for a population proportion.
• DAT-3.B Justify a claim about the population based on the results of a significance test for a population proportion.
• UNC-5.A Identify Type I and Type II errors.
• UNC-5.C Identify factors that affect the probability of errors in significance testing.
• UNC-5.D Interpret Type I and Type II errors.

This is a ZIP folder with the following:

• A Word document of the activity (both color and pure black and white)
• A PDF document of the activity (both color and pure black and white)
• A PDF answer key with sample data
• A PDF instruction page

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This product is included in the following:

• AP® Statistics Unit 6 – Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions Unit Plans
• AP® Statistics Unit 6 – Projects and Activities
• Goldie's FULL CURRICULUM for AP® Statistics
• Statistics – Chocolate Candy Bundle

If you have the above products, you DO NOT need to purchase this separately.

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If you need extra explanations or additional guidance, I would love to help!! Contact me at goldiesmathemporium[at]gmail.com for any questions or samples.

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