random sequences, probability, conditional formatting, simulation, randomness cognition
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
People have difficulty creating and recognizing random sequences, but can become better at these tasks through practice and feedback. This paper describes how simulations produced with Excel can be used to visually display a sequence of random events, allowing users to develop their randomness cognition. Instructions are provided for simulating simple binary events, dice rolls, and events generated by a Poisson process. The results are then visualized using Excel’s conditional formatting option or by displaying a bar graph. A survey of students learning the concept of recurrence interval showed that most enjoyed interacting with the Excel simulations and gained insights not apparent from reading about the concept or viewing static diagrams.
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Citation / Publisher Attribution
Spreadsheets in Education, v. 6, issue 2, art. 4
Scholar Commons Citation
Juster, Thomas C., "Using Excel to Develop Random Number Sense" (2013). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 964.