Analysis Tool: Binomial Distribution Applet

This applet simulates drawing samples from a binomial distribution. Users set the population proportion of success (pi), sample size (n), and number of samples. By clicking "Draw Samples," the applet will draw a sample and display the corresponding sample histogram. Each new sample drawn is added to the previous ones unless the user clicks "Reset" between samples. Users can choose to display the number and proportion of successes above or below a certain value (tail probabilities) by entering a value in the "Num Successes" box and clicking "Count." The portion of the distribution that meets the condition is highlighted in red, and the proportion of success is given at the bottom of the page. Clicking the inequality sign changes its direction. Clicking "Theo Values" displays the theoretical distribution in green on top of the empirical. Instructions and an activity for this applet can be found in the textbook "Investigating Statistical Concepts, Applications, and Methods" (ISCAM) in Lesson 3.2.2 on page 205.

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Source:

http://www.rossmanchance.com/applets/

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Author Name:

Allan Rossman, Beth Chance

Technical Requirements:

Java Applet

Comments:

arossman@calpoly.edu bchance@calpoly.edu

Content Quality Concerns:

There are no instructions on how to use the applet within the web page itself for those who do not have the ISCAM text.

Content Quality Strengths:

This applet gives an excellent visual presentation of the binomial distribution, which is useful for examining simulated and theoretical results. The shape of the binomial distribution is accurately displayed, and the ability to change parameters, sample multiple times, count successes, and see tail probabilities is quite nice. The associated ISCAM textbook provides some excellent investigative, problem-solving questions that are designed to use this applet on page 205.

Ease of Use Concerns:

Due to the absence of any guidance on the page, students who are able to run the applet may not know what to look for in terms of understanding. Also, users may have to experiment to figure out what the buttons do (e.g. clicking on the inequality sign changes its direction, a running total of samples is kept unless "Reset" is clicked, etc.). Teachers without the ISCAM textbook will have to write lesson plans for this applet.

Ease of Use Strengths:

Because this applet focuses only on the binomial distribution, students should be able to manipulate the parameters and run the applet (with some instructions provided by the instructor). The applet is fairly straight-forward, intuitive, and easy to use.

Potential Effectiveness Concerns:

Teachers without the ISCAM text will have to create their own materials and instructions for students to use this applet independently.

Potential Effectiveness Strengths:

The ability to make adjustments in the parameters and visuals provided should enable students to deepen their understanding of the binomial distribution. The applet allows students to see how the binomial distribution works without the need to understand the theoretical formulas.

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