INTRODUCTION ● RESEARCH TOPIC AND HYPOTHESIS ● DATA COLLECTION
DATA ANALYSIS ● CONCLUSION

We are a group of students from NYP, undertaking the Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography. We commenced the course in April 2009, and are currently through the second term of the first semester in Year 2.

Right from when we were young, we've all heard from our elders that we could determine the number of sections of a Mangosteen's flesh from the number of petals we see on the its crust.

This is how the petals on a typical Mangosteen look like.



Because of this saying that has been passed on from previous generations, we decided to base our project on Mangosteens and the relationship between its physical and morphological characteristics. As the saying goes, the heavier an object is, the heavier its contents are. Thus, in addition to determine if the above-mentioned saying is a myth or a fact, we have also decided to hypothesize if the weight of a Mangosteen is linearly related to the amount of flesh it contains.

We also know that this might not be proven to be true as there is the possibility that the weight of a Mangosteen is dependent on the weight of its crust instead of its flesh.

From these above questions and observations, we have embarked on a study to ascertain if
1) the number of petals on a Mangosteen corresponds to its number of sections of flesh and
2) the weight of a Mangosteen is related to its weight of the flesh.

From these above questions and observations, we have embarked on a study to ascertain if
1) the number of petals on a Mangosteen corresponds to its number of sections of flesh and
2) the weight of a Mangosteen is related to its weight of the flesh.


•Choosing of variables.
Many factors were taken into consideration when it came to the data collection. Factors such as the size of the Mangosteen and even the weight of the seeds. Most of these data were collected for the record tracing purpose in case some of the data turns out to be erroneous or extremely skewed and we want to find out what went wrong.

Evidently from our two research topics, the most important variables are the no. of petals on a Mangosteen, the sections of its flesh, the weight of the Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.



Choosing of sample study.

We decided to set sample size at 100 Mangosteens and 5 of us will provide 20 Mangosteens each. This way, we were able buy Mangosteens from different places so to ensure the randomness of the type of Mangosteens found in different fruit stalls. Hence there will be increased accuracy in this study.


The Two Testable Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H₀₎ : There is no significant relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.

Hypothesis : There is a significant relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.


Null Hypothesis : There is no significant relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

Hypothesis : There is a significant relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

Test of Significance Level
If p value ≤ 0.01, reject null hypothesis
If p value > 0.01, null hypothesis should not be rejected

Assumptions
•Data originated from a random sample
•Data are interval/ratio
•Both variables are distributed normally
•There is a linear relationship

We met up on the 6th of June 2010 to collect data in order to prove our hypothesis. We have discussed and agreed with each other that a sample size of 100 Mangosteens is sufficient for us to proceed with our research. The weight of 100 Mangosteens came up to approximately 8 kg.



After determining and acquiring the sample, we moved on to our next step-preparing the necessary tools. A regular measuring tape was prepared and used to measure the circumference of a Mangosteen.



We had prepared three analog kitchen scales to measure the weight of the Mangosteens and its various parts.



To ensure the accuracy of the result, the weighing machines were calibrated to zero. Then we placed the same Mangosteen on all three scales to ensure that the readings were the same. The first scale in white is used to measure the entire weight of a Mangosteen as it has a higher accuracy level of up to two decimal places. The second scale was used to measure the weight of its crust, and the third to measure the weight of its flesh.



We included the weighing of the crust of a Mangosteen and also the measuring of the circumference of a Mangosteen as we might need the data for future hypothesis.

We had determined that the weight of the flesh includes the spillage/wastage (Juice). The units for this research is determined that weight is to be measured in grams (g) and the circumference in centimetre (cm).

The Weight of the Mangosteen refers to the Mangosteen being weighed in whole, including its petals. The mangosteen will be cracked open with bare hands by one of our group members. Then the Flesh of the Mangosteen will be scoop out with a spoon and then weighed with all the liquid residue in it. The reading will correspond to Weight of Flesh of Mangosteen. Then remaining crust of the Mangosteen will then be weighed and recorded as Weight of Crust of Mangosteen. All weight and measurements will be verified by all group members.

We divided the tabulature of the data into a few steps:
1) Measurement of the Circumference of the Mangosteen.
2) Measurement of the Weight of the Mangosteen.
3) Cracking of the Mangosteen in order to separate the flesh from its crust.
4) Measurement of the Weight of the Crust of the Mangosteen.
5) Measurement of the Weight of the Flesh of the Mangosteen.

1) Measuring the Circumference of a Mangosteen


2) Measuring the Weight of a Mangosteen


3) Cracking of the Mangosteen's crust


4) Measuring the Weight of the Crust of a Mangosteen


5) Measuring the Weight of the Flesh of a Mangosteen


Every single data was verified by all members of the group so as to prevent any human recording error. The data was recorded by hand and later tabulated manually into the SPSS program on the computer.









We used SPSS software to tabulate our data and analyse them

*image cropped due to space constraint

Since both are scale data, the statistical tests chosen were scatter plot and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.


Null Hypothesis : There is no significant relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.

Hypothesis : There is a significant relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.



•From the scatter plot above, the scatter appears to follow a general positive linear trend.

•There is no violation of the linearity assumption

•The graph indicates a positive linear relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.

•Now the question is how strong is this relation? Since the relationship is a linear one and both variables are scale data, we shall look at the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.





From the results obtained from SPSS above, based on the number of valid cases which is 100, the Pearson’s R coefficient is 1. It indicates a very positive and strong relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.

Findings :
p = 0.0005
p > 0.05, reject null hypothesis
therefore, there is a positive and strong relationship between the number of petals on a Mangosteen and its number of sections of flesh inside.


Null Hypothesis : There is no significant relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

Hypothesis : There is a significant relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.





•From the scatter plot above, the scatter appears to follow a general positive linear trend.

•There is no violation of the linearity assumption

•The graph indicates a positive linear relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

•Now the question again is, how strong is this relation? Since the relationship is a linear one and both variables are scale data, we shall look at the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.




*image cropped due to space constraint



Using SPSS to obtain the results above, based on the number of valid cases which is 100, the Pearson’s R coefficient is 0.786. It indicates a positive and strong relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

Findings :
p = 0.0005
p > 0.05, reject null hypothesis
therefore, there is a positive and strong relationship between the weight of a Mangosteen and the weight of its flesh.

Implication of Findings

There is significant relationship between the number of petals and the sections of flesh in a Mangosteen.

There is significant relationship between the weight of the Mangosteen and the weight of the flesh of the Mangosteen.

Influence of Findings
1)Significant sample size therefore represents the true findings of the study closely.
2)Consistency in peeling of Mangosteens keeping spilling of the juices minimal as makes up a significant percentage of the weight.
3)Proper calibration and reading of the measurements.


Our Individual Reflection


Chong Lee Ping

My heart sank when I knew Statistics was part of our module for this term. I have always had this fear when dealing with figures, graphs and data collection. I remember this subject was one of the modules for my advance diploma course in Strategic Marketing. I could not cope with it! I had to get help from my course-mates and it took up majority of my time to prepare and study during exams.

Fast forward to 2010, I had no choice but to accept my fate that I had to go through this complicated subject once again. However, my fears were slowly diminished when I was introduced to this easy-to-use software called SPSS. I realized that by using SPSS it was so much easier to analyze data and gather information from it. The best part of this module was, we were not restricted to just classroom-based learning because we had to do a project in groups as well. The process of thinking and coming out with something uniquely different from the rest. The differences we had in opinions and the way we worked as individuals. We learned how to cope with all these differences and solved all the problems we had along the way as a team.

I must say I enjoyed the learning process thoroughly and the satisfaction I got from the end-product of this blog is indescribable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow group-mates for their time and effort to see this through and also to Ms. Chia for alleviating my fears to Statistics.


Lee Bin Hao

Starting taking this module is really a very interesting, as the software really makes me feel much more easier and faster to analysis datas at a click of a button.
After that, we are assigned to do this project and we were thinking of a topic that is not the normal ones like oral vs axillary temperature or body dimensions. So we thought of this mangosteen thing which is pretty much interesting. Through this project we learn teamwork is a very crucial thing. Like how to tabulate our data, we actually station ourself for each position like i am in charge of measuring the circumference of the mangosteen. After that we also learn how to edit the HTML codes on the blog and analysis those data. Although its tedious to do such work, but its a great learning process and we had learn alot on html codings and statistic usage of the software itself. I believe it is a beneficial project and would not mind doing it again!


Lee Yun Hui

Statistics is part and parcel of our everyday doings. Despite having some background from my college education, this module opened up another vision for me into statistics. I've understood more about Statistics in Healthcare, and learnt how to use the program, SPSS, to represent and analyse data. It is more time saving and exceptionally useful for huge data.

This module structure is very different from the previous modules that I have undertaken. And this project allowed us to explore our daily lives and realise that we can associate it with Statistics. Hence, the idea of Mangosteens for the project came about. From determining the sample size and variables, to the collection of data and finally analysing them, it wasn't easy peasy nor fuss free. However, i'm glad that i was also able to apply prior knowlege into this project. I've picked up valuable knowledge along the way and learnt from the experience.


Loh Sook Teng Wendy

Begining of this module, I was quite scared about Statistics as it really make me worried as all along I have not been doing well with numbers and figures. However, with the introduction of SPSS, I am indeed impressed with the software. It makes the subject so much easier. Next, when we were told that we have to do a project, our group initially has a tough time deciding on the topic for our project as we wanted to do something different from the rest of the groups and we wanted to be adventurous and come out with our own hypothesis.

Finally our group has chosen a topic and here we go the project on MANGOSTEEN. From this project, I have learnt alot. The most important thing I have learned is how to work in a group and how to solve problems whenever the group members have different opinions. Apart from all these, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our lecturer Miss Chia for her suggestions and patience in guiding us for the project. All in all, I really enjoy this project!

Yeo Si Li

When I knew I will be taking statistic as a module, I went to check out my JC notes of statistic in advance to prepare myself. I spent a few hours to recap the concept and formula taught in JC. When I attended the first lecture, I realized it is somehow different from what was taught in JC. It was my first time coming across the SPSS software with no prior knowledge of it at all.

The mixture of written ICA and project makes this module fun and challenging. It was interesting for us to come out with the topics related to mangosteen! We had a lot of fun time generating hypothesis with relation to SPSS, buying and eating all those mangosteens! The process of collecting datas was tedious, messy but enjoyable! I had enjoyed myself totally. This module give me more insights of statistic and not just the normal formula, content base things I have learn in JC times. It would be useful in my work environment and future!