Performed the M&M survival challenge and the results were not as expected. ie. the background of a green background (Skittles) did not lead to a lower # of green M&M's picked up. Only the yellow background produced expected results. This was having 30 data points using 4 colors as the background. What are some of the variables that may cause this? Should we repeat the experiment or should we try to explain the possible unexpected outcomes?
thanks. L
M&M survival challenge-troubleshooting
Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, bfinio, MadelineB, Moderators
-
lperk
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:14 am
- Occupation: parent/student
- Project Question: performed the M&M survival challenge. had 30 participants. results were not as expected ie. green M&Ms were not the lowest # picked in a green Skittles background. Only the yellow results were as expected. Possible explanations?
- Project Due Date: 12/5/14
- Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data
-
SciB
- Expert
- Posts: 2071
- Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:00 am
- Occupation: Retired molecular biologist, university researcher and teacher
- Project Question: I wish to join Scibuddies to be able to help students achieve the best science project possible and to understand the science behind it.
- Project Due Date: n/a
- Project Status: Not applicable
Re: M&M survival challenge-troubleshooting
I think your little 'birds' have sharp eyes! Go ahead and repeat the experiment. I'm betting you get the same result. Humans are very good at distinguishing color and form quickly. You could try reducing the light level and see how much affect that had. Some prey animals only come out at dawn and dusk when there's not a lot of light so they are harder to see.
Now you made me hungry for M&Ms!!
Sybee
Now you made me hungry for M&Ms!!
Sybee
-
lperk
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:14 am
- Occupation: parent/student
- Project Question: performed the M&M survival challenge. had 30 participants. results were not as expected ie. green M&Ms were not the lowest # picked in a green Skittles background. Only the yellow results were as expected. Possible explanations?
- Project Due Date: 12/5/14
- Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data
Re: M&M survival challenge-troubleshooting
thanks Sybee!

