SIE 330R Homework, Fall 2023

Quiz 1 (Chapter 1)
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NAME: FERNANDO SOTELO RAMON

1.2 : Suppose that you want to investigate the factors that potentially affect cooking rice.

a. What would you use as a response variable that could impact the response?

The response variable that I would use is something that measures the quality or
characteristics of the cooked rice. Next are a few possible response variables that could
impact the response:

- Texture

- Taste and Flavor

- Aroma

- Grain Integrity

- Color

- Uniformity

- Nutritional Content

b. List all the potential sources of variability that could impact the response.

There are multiple variables that could impact the response. Next, I will mention a few of
them which I think could affect highly when cooking rice.

- Rice Variety: The type of rice is a variable that highly impacts the type of rice you want
to get after cooking. For example, a long grain of rice for some people is better.

- Water to Rice Ratio: The amount of water used in portion to the amount of rice can
significantly impact the final texture and moisture.

- Cooking Method: This means the method used for cooking rice, such as stovetop, rice
cooker, microwave, etc.

- Cooking time: The duration of the cooking time is important because the rice could get
dry or moist depending on the time of cooking.

- Stirring: Stirring the rice during cooking can affect how the rice grains separate and
interact, influencing the final texture.
 - Seasoning: Seasoning the rice could make it better or worse.

- Resting period: Allowing the rice to rest after cooking can help it achieve a desired
texture and absorb any remaining moisture.

- Altitude: Cooking rice at different altitudes can affect cooking times and water
absorption due to changes in atmospheric pressure.

- Quality of Rice: The age and quality of the rice grains can affect how they cook and the
result.

- Vessel and Lid: Using different vessels or cooking pots can impact steam retention and
cooking uniformity.

c. Complete the first 3 steps of the guidelines (State Problem, Identify Response, Choice of
Factor) for designing experiments (from section 1.4).

State Problem:

- The objective of this experiment is to identify the key factors that influence the
quality of cooked rice. By systematically varying cooking parameters, we aim to
understand how these factors impact the texture, taste, and overall appeal of the
cooked rice.

Identifying Response Variable:

- Based on the research made above I considered Texture as the response variable.
This could involve measuring the firmness, stickiness, or fluffiness of the rice after
cooking.

Choice of factor:

- Water-to-Rice-Ratio: The ratio of water to rice could impact the final texture of the
cooked rice.

- Cooking Method: Different cooking methods, such as stovetop, rice cooker, or

microwave, could lead to variations in texture.

- Cooking time: The duration for which the rice is cooked could affect its texture and
doneness.

- Type of Rice: Different rice varieties (long grain, short-grain, basmati, etc.)

- Stirring: Stirring frequency and timing could influence rice texture.

- Resting Period: Allowing the rice to rest after cooking might affect its final texture
and moisture content.

In this experiment I would choose to focus on Cooking Method as the factor to

investigate.
1.8 : What is replication? Why do we need replication in an experiment? Present an example that
illustrates the differences between replication and repeated measures.

- Replication refers to the process of conducting an experiment multiple times, using the same
experimental conditions and procedures, in order to obtain consistent and reliable results. Each
repetition of the experiment is referred to as a "replicate." Replication helps to assess the
variability in the data and determine whether the observed effects are consistent and
statistically significant.

- Replication is essential in an experiment for several reasons. Replication allows for the
application of statistical analysis to determine the significance of the observed effects. Statistical
tests require multiple data points to draw meaningful conclusions. Also, Replication can help
identify errors or anomalies that might occur in a single run of the experiment. If one replicate
produces an unexpected result, it can be compared to other replicates to identify potential
issues.

- Example of Replication: Imagine you're testing the effect of different fertilizer types on the
growth of plants. You set up three identical sets of plant beds, each receiving a different type of
fertilizer (A, B, and C). You measure the height of the plants after a certain period for each set of
plant beds. In this case, you have replicated the experiment three times, each time with a
different fertilizer.

- Example of Repeated Measures: Now, consider a scenario where you're investigating the effect
of a new memory-enhancing technique on individuals' memory recall. You have a group of
participants, and you want to measure their memory recall ability using three different
techniques: Technique X, Technique Y, and Technique Z. Each participant undergoes memory
recall testing using all three techniques in a random order. This is an example of repeated
measures because each participant serves as their own control, and you're testing the same
group of individuals under different conditions.

- In the first example (replication), you have different experimental setups for each replicate. In
the second example (repeated measures), you have the same participants being tested multiple
times under different conditions. In both cases, the concept of variability and reliability is
important. Replication accounts for variability between different experimental setups, while
repeated measures control individual variability by comparing participants' performance across
different techniques.
 1.9 : Why is randomization important in an experiment?

- Randomization is important in an experiment because it minimizes biases, ensures comparable

groups, allows for valid statistical analyses, controls for confounding factors, and increases the
likelihood of generalizable and replicable results.

Summary of the book page 16 “Choice of factors, levels, and range”

The text discusses the importance of selecting factors, levels, and ranges in experiment design. Factors
can be potential design factors or nuisance factors, classified as design, held-constant, or allowed-to-
vary. Nuisance factors can be controllable, uncontrollable, or noise factors. Randomization, blocking,
and analysis of covariance help address these factors. Process knowledge is crucial for choosing ranges
and levels. Factor screening studies often use low levels, while cause-and-effect diagrams aid in
organizing information. Pre-experimental planning is essential, often involving team efforts and diverse
perspectives.