popcorn                 package:Rlab                 R Documentation

_A _2_x_4 _e_x_p_e_r_i_m_e_n_t _t_o _e_v_a_l_u_a_t_e _p_o_p_c_o_r_n _p_r_e_p_a_r_a_t_i_o_n.

_D_e_s_c_r_i_p_t_i_o_n:

     The popcorn data frame has 16 rows and 6 columns. Four factors are
     varied to see what produces the largest volume of popcorn. The
     order that the observations were made is in the column order.

_F_o_r_m_a_t:

     A data frame with 16 observations on the following 5 variables.

     _b_r_a_n_d : brand of popcorn used (Orville Reddenbach or Jolly Time)

     _t_e_m_p : temperature of oil (hot or cold)

     _q_u_a_n_t_i_t_y : quantity of oil used (3 Tsp or 1 Tsp)

     _s_h_a_k_e : whether the pan was shaken (yes or no)

     _v_o_l_u_m_e : volume of popcorn produced

_S_o_u_r_c_e:

     This experiment was designed and carried out by Stan Spencer for
     the NCSU statistics class ST516. Here is an excerpt of his report:

     INTRODUCTION

     Popcorn has always been a crucial element of sustenance in my life
     and I've always wondered what effects certain factors have in the
     making of a good batch. Now, having acquired some of the basic
     tools of statistical experimentation I have been able to optimize
     my frequent ritual of popping popcorn as well as understand
     exactly how much of an effect these factors have on the desired
     outcome. The purpose of the experiment was to optimize the factors
     involved for the maximum volume of popcorn. I focused on stovetop
     popping and didn't look at microwave or air-pop methods.

     DESIGN AND TEST CONDITIONS

     I chose the two major popcorn brands with the motive of trying to
     prove if Orville's claims are true. The second factor refers to
     the temperature of the oil at the time the popcorn was put in the
     pan. For the experiments requiring cold oil I added the popcorn to
     the oil before putting the pan on the stove. For the hot oil
     treatments I let it heat for 20 seconds before adding the popcorn.
     The quantity of oil factor required either one or three
     tablespoons. The last factor I thought was important was to either
     shake or not shake the pan during cooking. The conditions of the
     test that were kept constant for each treatment are: 1/2 cup of
     popcorn was used, the pan was cooled and washed between
     treatments, the gas flame was set to a constant, and the same pan
     and oil type were used for each treatment. The volume was measured
     with a measuring cup with units in mL.

