ERIC Number: EJ746468
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 4
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teaching Random Assignment: A Classroom Demonstration Using a Deck of Playing Cards
Enders, Craig K.; Laurenceau, Jean-Philippe; Stuetzle, Rick
Teaching of Psychology, v33 n4 p239-242 2006
Despite its apparent simplicity, random assignment is an abstract concept for many students. This article describes a classroom demonstration that uses a standard deck of playing cards. In small groups, students randomly assign playing cards (i.e., participants) to 2 treatment groups. Following randomization, students compare the relative frequency of "background variables" across the 2 groups (e.g., the number of red, black, face cards, spades). A pretest-posttest design indicated that quiz scores increased following the demonstration. We suggest a number of possible extensions for the demonstration.
Descriptors: Demonstrations (Educational), Pretests Posttests, Instructional Materials, Class Activities, Concept Formation, Comparative Analysis, Research Design, Probability, Matched Groups, Abstract Reasoning, Background
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A