Matched Pairs: Breezeway Bowling

Matched pairs design is one of those inference topics that can be a little tricky for learners; many students want to try a 2-sample t-test for means.  As an AP Reader, I remember a few years ago when paired data was on the National Exam.  It was bad.  So few responses actually used the correct procedure 😕

So if there's a way to get my learners to differentiate between these two types of inference (and make it stick), I'm going to do it!

I first found this activity on mathcoachblog (Hallway Bowling) and completely stole it from Bob Lochel- making my own tweaks, of course.  My classes have over 30 students, so bowling in the hallway can lead to some major disturbing of other classes; therefore, I changed it to to the breezeway.  Plus, I am lucky to live in a location where we can play (play = do math) outside pretty much year-round, so taking it to the breezeway was a no-brainer.

This activity is the first time my students will conduct an inference procedure with paired data.  However, they have already been introduced to 1-sample inference for means.  Feel free to view and copy my version of the template by clicking here.  This document includes all instructions for the students and a lesson closing discussion that Bob suggests.  

~SSB