Preview - Sampling Distributions 2021

Biased Vs. Non-Biased Estimators


Now we're going to do the same thing, except instead of calculating the mean score for our sample, we're going to calculate the MAXIMUM score of our sample. We (Mr. Mickelson and Mr. Mills) made this model, so we can change it in order to explore a different statistic. We're going to change the model to find the maximum of each sample. 

Note: If you need to start fresh just reload the page and everything will reset.

a) Underneath the model window is a tab called "netLogo Code". Click on that to open the code. Don't freak out, we're just going to make one little change!

b) Scroll down to find line 29. You can see the line numbers on the left side of the workspace. 

c) In lines 30 and 31 you should see the word "Mean." In both places, change the word Mean to the word Max.

d) Press recompile code at the top of the workspace.

e) Click setup and collect samples. This time the model will take the maximum value from each sample.

e) Click "tables," the "data set" again. Click "graph" and this time put the "Max" on the axis of the graph.

f) Add the mean to your graph of sample maximums (click the ruler, then check "Mean").

 


Questions

Please answer the questions below.

For our population, what is the actual maximum? Is the mean of this sampling distribution close to that value?


Now erase that data (either with the trashcan icon under "tables" or refreshing the page) and do the same thing using the minimum statistic (just repeat what you did for Max, just use the word Min).

Is the mean of this sampling distribution the same as the actual value of the population minimum?


Notes

These notes will appear on every page in this lesson so feel free to put anything here you'd like to keep track of.