The National Student Research Center

E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism

Volume 5, Number 1, June, 1997

John I. Swang, Ph.D.

Founder/Director

National Student Research Center

2024 Livingston Street

Mandeville, Louisiana 70448

U.S.A.

E-Mail: jswang@charter.net

http://youth.net/nsrc/nsrc.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Are The Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants In The Country?
2. Finding the Cheapest Price For a Computer
3. Pricing The Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan
4. Finding The Bank With The Highest Interest Rate
5. Shopping for the Cheapest Christmas Dinner
6. A Survey On The Costs Of Rental Cars
7. A Consumerism Research Project About The Cost Of House Painting

TITLE:  What Are The Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants In The
        Country?

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Andrea Titus
SCHOOL:  Dawson Elementary School
         Holden, MA
GRADE:  5     
TEACHER:  Wayne Boisselle    
          (Wayne_Boisselle@mail.wachusett-rhs.wrsd.k12.ma.us)


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:    

I would like to do a consumerism research project to find the 
most popular fast food restaurant in the country.  I would also 
like to find out what other fast food restaurants are popular 
besides the choices I give because I might not have heard of 
them before.  My hypothesis states that McDonalds will be the 
most popular fast food restaurant in the country.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote my statement of purpose and reviewed the 
literature on fast food restaurants.  Then I developed an 
hypothesis.  Next, I created a questionnaire on fast food 
restaurants and sent it out over the Internet as a survey to 
ieccsurvey@stolaf.edu.  As responses came in, I scored them.  I 
then analyzed the data by making a graph to see if I accepted 
or rejected my hypothesis.

Ill.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

I received twenty-one responses to my questionnaire.  Seven 
people replied that they liked McDonalds, six people replied 
that they liked Taco Bell, three people replied that they liked 
Burger King, two people wrote that they liked Kentucky Fried 
Chicken, and three people wrote that they liked other fast food 
restaurants.  Some of the other fast food restaurants that 
people liked included Mexican Villa, Subway, and Wendy's. 

lV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

More people (N=7) replied that their favorite fast food 
restaurant was McDonalds than any other.  Therefore I accept my 
hypothesis that McDonalds would be the most popular fast food 
restaurant in the country.  From doing this research I learned 
that the Internet is a quick and easy way to send out a survey.  
You get a lot of replies in a short time.  If I were to do this 
experiment over, I would probably offer more choices of fast 
food restaurants. 

V.  APPLICATION:

I found out that, if people are looking for a popular fast food 
restaurant, I should tell them to go to McDonalds. 

TITLE:  Finding the Cheapest Price For a Computer

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Tom Cleveland
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I wanted to find which brand of computer had the cheapest 
price.  I also wanted to find out which store sold computers 
for the cheapest price.  My first hypothesis stated that the 
IBM would be the cheapest computer.  My second hypothesis 
stated that Radio Shack would have the cheapest prices.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote my statement of purpose and review of literature 
on computers and consumerism.  Next, I wrote my bibliography, 
hypothesis, methodology, and my list of variables.  After that, 
I made a list of materials and a data collection form.  Then I 
started my experiment.  I visited four stores: Radio Shack, 
Comp USA, Campo, and Office Depot.  I compared the prices of 
two brands of computer (Compaq and IBM) to all four computer 
stores and took an average to see which store had the cheapest 
prices.  Comp USA only carries their brand of computer.  I then 
looked to see which brand of computer had the cheapest price.  
To do this, I took an average of the prices for a computer in 
all the stores.  I recorded all my data on my data collection 
form and then analyzed it.  Finally, I wrote my summary and 
conclusion and applied my findings to the world outside the 
classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

At Office Depot, the average price for a computer was 
$1,739.50.  At Radio Shack, the average price for a computer is 
$2,000.  At Comp USA, the average price for a computer is 
$1,850.  At Campo, the average price for a computer is $1,844.  
The average price for a IBM is $1,844 and the average price for 
a Compaq is $1,812.67.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

I found that a Compaq is the cheapest computer and Office Depot 
is the cheapest store to buy a computer at.  I rejected my 
hypotheses which stated that IBM would be the cheapest computer 
and Radio shack would be the cheapest store to buy a computer 
at.

V.  APPLICATION:

Anyone buying a new computer would want to know what the 
cheapest buy would be.  This data could help provide them with 
that information.



TITLE:  Pricing The Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Rob Krieger
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I would like to do a consumerism research project on the price 
of a new Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan.  My  hypothesis states 
that the dealership in Hammond will have the lowest base-price 
on the Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan.  

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote my statement of purpose.  Next, I wrote my 
review of literature on consumerism and Henry Ford.  Then I 
wrote my hypothesis.  Then I wrote my methodology and listed 
the materials needed to conduct my experiment.  Next, I 
developed a data collection sheet.  After that I began my 
survey.  In my survey, I called four car dealerships in four 
different towns: Hammond, New Orleans, Metairie, and Covington.  
I asked them the base-price of the Plymouth Grand Voyager 
Minivan with no special packages.  As I called, I recorded the 
prices on my data collection sheet.  Then I analyzed my data 
and wrote my summary and conclusion.  Finally, I applied my 
findings to the world outside the classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

When I called the car dealer in Covington I asked them the base 
price of the Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan.  They told me it 
was $18,000 dollars.  When I called the car dealer in New 
Orleans I also asked them the base price of the Plymouth Grand 
Voyager.  They told me it was $18,580 dollars.  When I called 
the car dealer in Metairie I asked them the base price of the 
Plymouth Grand Voyager.  They told me it started at $19,500 
dollars.  When I called the car dealer in Hammond I asked them 
the base price of the Plymouth Grand Voyager.  They told me it 
was $19,900 dollars.  

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

Hammond had the highest price at $19,900 dollars.  Therefore I 
reject my hypothesis which states that the dealership in 
Hammond will have the lowest price on the Plymouth Grand 
Voyager Minivan.

The dealership in Covington had the lowest base-price for the 
Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan. 

V.  APPLICATION:

My project can help my family and others that would like to buy 
a Plymouth Grand Voyager Minivan for the cheapest price.  I 
know now that I can get the best price for the car in 
Covington.



TITLE:  Finding The Bank With The Highest Interest Rate  

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Paul O'Meallie
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: 

I would like to do a consumerism research project on interest 
rate banks pay on savings accounts.  My hypothesis states that 
the credit union will pay the highest interest rates on simple 
savings accounts.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote our statement of purpose.  Next, I reviewed the 
literature on the banking industry, savings, and consumerism.  
I then wrote my review of the literature.  From my review of 
the literature, I developed my hypothesis.  Next, I gathered my 
materials.  I then created my methodology to test my 
hypothesis.  After that I called five banks and asked for their 
interests rate on simple savings accounts. The banks were 
Whitney, Jefferson Guaranty Bank, Parish National Bank, 
Hibernia and ASI Credit Union.  After that I recorded my data 
on a data collection sheet.  I then analyze my data.  Finally, 
I wrote my summary and conclusion and then applied my findings 
to the world outside the classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

The Whitney paid an interest of 1.5%.  It required a minimum 
deposit of $50.  It allowed an unlimited amount of withdraws 
per month and required no minimum maintained balance.  

Jefferson Guaranty Bank paid an interest of 2.28%. It required 
a minimum deposit of $100 and allowed three withdraws per 
month.  It required a minimum maintained balance of $200.  

Parish National Bank paid an interest of 2.56% and required a 
minimum deposit of $50.  It allowed two withdraws per month and 
required no minimum maintained balance.  

Hibernia paid an interest of 2% and required a minimum deposit 
of $25.  It allowed two withdraws per month and required no 
minimum maintained balance.  

ASI Credit Union paid an interest of 2.75%.  It required no 
minimum deposit and allowed two withdraws per month.  It 
required a minimum maintained balance of $5.  

According to the data shown, the ASI Credit Union paid the 
highest interest rate on a simple savings account.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

The ASI credit union had an interest rate of 2.75% on simple 
savings accounts.  Therefore I accept my hypothesis which 
stated that the credit union will pay the highest interest on 
simple savings accounts.

V.  APPLICATION:

I can apply this data to the real world by knowing where to put 
my money in a savings account.  Using this data I will know 
which bank pays the highest interest on savings accounts.  This 
will help so I can make money while saving money.



TITLE:  Shopping for the Cheapest Christmas Dinner   

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Karla Hardberger and Corey Sanders  
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John We. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

We would like to do a consumer research project on which 
grocery store has the lowest prices on selected items for our 
family's Christmas dinner.  Our hypothesis states that, out of 
Albertson's, A&P, Delchamp's, Wal-Mart, and Winn Dixie, Wal-
Mart will have the lowest prices on the items for our Christmas 
dinner.
 
II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we wrote our statement of purpose and review of 
literature on Christmas, traditional Christmas dinner, and 
consumerism.  Then we wrote our hypothesis.  Next, we wrote our 
methodology.  After that, we went to three different grocery 
stores to compare the price of certain items for our family's 
Christmas dinner.  After recording the prices for all items on 
our data collection sheet, we analyzed our data.  Then we wrote 
our analysis of data, summary and conclusion, and application. 

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

In our survey, we went to five different grocery stores; 
Albertson's, A&P, Delchamp's, Wal-Mart, and Winn Dixie.  We 
searched for the prices of eleven different items in each 
store.  The total cost for the items of a basic Christmas 
dinner from each store (not including tax) was:  Wal-Mart - 
$21.67, Winn Dixe - $25.81,  Delchamp's - $23.83,  A&P - 
$22.92, and Albertson's - 21.58.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

In our experiment, we found that, out that Albertson's had the 
cheapest Christmas dinner.  Therefore, we reject our hypothesis 
which stated that Wal-Mart would have the lowest prices on the 
items for our Christmas 
dinner.

V.  APPLICATION:

For future Christmas dinners, or just for going grocery 
shopping on an everyday basis, this study can help families 
save money in this expensive world.



TITLE:  A Survey On The Costs Of Rental Cars

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Erin Phillips
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I would like to do a consumerism research project to find out 
if there are any actual differences in rental cars fees and 
rates.  My hypothesis states that there will be no difference 
in rental car fees from the three different companies I survey: 
Avis, Hertz, and Budget.  

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I chose my topic and wrote my statement of purpose.  
Next, I wrote my review of the literature on car rentals and 
consumerism.  Then I developed my hypothesis.  Then I developed 
my methodology.  My control variable is the car I chose, a 
mini-van.  My responding variable is the rental car rates which 
the different companies charge.  My manipulated variables were 
the companies I chose: Avis, Hertz, and Budget.  Next, I began 
collecting my information.  I called Avis, Hertz, and Budget to 
get their rental rates.  Then I recorded my data on my data 
collection form.  After that I analyzed my data.  Then I wrote 
my summary and conclusion.  Finally, I applied my findings to 
the world outside the classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

The mini-van that would be rented from Avis cost $46.00 rental 
fee per day.  At Hertz, it would cost $36.00 every day rented.  
Finally, at Budget the rental fee was $36.50 per day.

Car Company|   Rental Fee (Daily) |
           |                      |
Avis       |     $46.00           |
Hertz      |     $36.00           |
Budget     |     $36.50           | 


IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

In my study, I wanted to know if the rates for car rental would 
be similar from 3 different rental companies.  I discovered 
that rental fees varied from $36.00 to $46.00 per day.  
Therefore, I must reject my hypothesis which stated that there 
will be no actual differences in the rental rates.  

V.  APPLICATION:

Now, whenever I travel with my family, I can tell them that it 
actually does matter what car rental company they choose.  They 
should rent a mini-van from Hertz because they have the lowest 
rental fees.  There is only a $10.00 difference in daily rental 
rates, but it really does matter which company you choose if 
you rent a car for a week or more.



TITLE:  A Consumerism Research Project About The Cost Of House
        Painting

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Brian Ryals  
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: 

I would like to do a consumerism research project on the cost 
of getting my house painted.  My hypothesis states that the 
painter with the least amount of experience will be the 
cheapest.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I selected a topic and wrote a statement of purpose.  
Second, I  wrote a review of literature about paint and 
consumerism.  Third, I came up with a hypothesis.  Then I 
developed a methodology to test my hypothesis.  I called three 
different painters and had them come to my house so I could get 
estimates.  I then asked them how much experience they had.  I 
also made sure that each painter would be using a comparable 
quality paint.  I recorded this data on a data collection 
sheet.  I then wrote my analysis of data by putting my data 
collection sheet into words.  After this, I accepted or 
rejected my hypothesis and applied my findings to the world 
outside the classroom.  

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

The first painting service was called Brian's Painting Service.  
They charged $1175.00 and had 20 years of experience.  The 
second painting service was called Parish-Wide Construction.  
They charged $1485.00 and had 8 years of experience.  The third 
painting service was called Al Aldridge, Inc.  They charged 
$1350.00 and had 30 years of experience.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

The cheapest painter had 20 years of experience.  The second 
cheapest painter had 30 years of experience.  The most 
expensive painter had 8 years of experience.  The painter with 
the least amount of experience was the most expensive.  
Therefore, I reject my hypothesis which stated that the painter 
with the least amount of experience would be the cheapest.

V.  APPLICATION:

My experiment shows that painting services have considerably 
different prices.  The most expensive one isn't always the one 
with the most experience.  People should ask for estimates from 
more than one painting service to be sure they get a good price 
and an experienced painter.

© 1997 John I. Swang, Ph.D.