The National Student Research Center
E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism
Volume 3, Number 1, December, 1994
The National Student Research Center
is dedicated to promoting student research and the use of the
scientific method in all subject areas across the curriculum,
especially science and math.
For more information contact:
- John I. Swang, Ph.D.
- Founder/Director
- National Student Research Center
- 2024 Livingston Street
- Mandeville, Louisiana 70448
- U.S.A.
- E-Mail: nsrcmms@communique.net
- http://youth.net/nsrc/nsrc.html
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Which Airline Has The Cheapest Price
To Disneyland?
- Where Can I Get The Cheapest Two-Day
Movie Rental?
- Where Can I Find The Cheapest Gasoline?
- Which Local Grocery Store Sells The
Least Expensive Frozen Pizza?
- Where Do Most Sixth Graders Go To
Get A Haircut?
- Where Do Sixth Graders Spend Their
Money?
- Junk Food Price Comparison
- Where Can You Buy The Cheapest Pizza?
- Which Store Has the Cheapest Prices
On Snack Foods?
- Sandwich Shoppers
TITLE: Which Airline Has The Cheapest Price To Anaheim?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Amanda Senules
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 scientific research project on which
airline has the cheapest price to fly to Anaheim, California so
I can find out how much it will cost to travel to Disneyland.
My hypothesis states that Delta Airlines will have the cheapest
price to fly to Anaheim, California.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I completed my statement of purpose and my review of
literature on consumerism. Next, I developed my hypothesis.
Then I wrote my methodology which I used to test my hypothesis.
My methodology included calling up the 9 national airlines and
finding out their prices to fly to Anaheim, California.
After that, I made my list of materials, constructed my
observation and data collection forms, and began my research.
Then I wrote my analysis of data, summary and conclusions, and
my application. Finally, I published my abstract in a journal
of student research.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The price for a one-way coach ticket to fly to Anaheim,
California on Transworld Airlines costs $164. Delta Airlines
charges $174. Southwest Airlines charges $174. United
Airlines charges $177. Continental Airlines charges $277.
Northwest Airlines charges $598. American Airlines charges
$604. USAir doesn't fly to Anaheim, California.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Transworld Airlines has the cheapest price to fly to Anaheim,
California which is $164. American Airlines has the most
expensive price to fly to Anaheim, California which is $604.
Therefore, I reject my hypothesis which stated that Delta
Airlines has the cheapest price.
V. APPLICATION:
After analyzing my data, I have decided that whenever I go to
Disneyland, I will fly on Transworld Airlines because they have
the cheapest price.
TITLE: WHERE CAN I GET THE CHEAPEST TWO DAY MOVIE RENTAL?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Austin Feldbaum
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to know where I could get the cheapest two day movie
rental and the largest selection. My first hypothesis states
that Blockbuster Video will have the largest selection. My
second hypothesis states that Video Biz will have the lowest
prices.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose. Then I conducted a
review of literature about consumerism and developed my
hypothesis. Next, I wrote my methodology. Then I went to all
of the movie stores in my area and collected my data on who had
the lowest prices and the largest selection. I recorded my
data on a data collection sheet. Then I analyzed my data with
simple statistics, graphs, and charts. Next, I accepted or
rejected my hypothesis and wrote my summary and conclusion.
Finally, I applied what I found to the real world outside the
classroom, turned in my abstract, and published it in a
journal.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
For the price of a two day movie rental, Blockbuster Video was
the highest at $4.00. Then came L.A. Video with a price of
$3.24. Major Video and Video Biz were the same at $3.00.
Blockbuster had the largest selection with over 9,000 tapes.
Then came Major Video with 7,324. L.A. Video had 6,000 tapes
and Video Biz had the lowest selection with only 4,770 tapes.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Blockbuster Video had the largest selection and Video Biz had
the lowest prices. Therefore, I accept both of my hypothesis
which stated that Blockbuster would have the largest selection
and that Video Biz would have the lowest prices.
V. APPLICATION:
The data I collected can be used to help consumers decide where
they can get the best deal on a movie rental.
TITLE: Where Can I Find The Cheapest Gasoline?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Dana Blount
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 scientific research project on which gas
station sells the cheapest gasoline because I would like my mom
to be able to save money, so she can buy me more things. My
hypothesis states that Chevron sells the cheapest gasoline.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose, conducted my review of
literature on consumerism, and developed my hypothesis. I then
wrote my methodology which I used to test my hypothesis. It
included calling three different gas stations and asking their
prices for three different types of gas: 70, 80, and 90 octane.
Then I recorded my data on a data collection sheet. Next, I
analyzed my data with charts, graphs, and statistics. Then I
rejected or accepted my hypothesis. Then I applied my findings
to real life. Finally, I published my abstract in The Student
Researcher and The E-Journal of Student Research.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The price for regular gas at Chevron is $1.14 per gallon. At
Exxon, the price for regular gas is $1.13. At Spur, you would
pay $1.09 for regular gas. The price for unleaded plus at
Chevron and Exxon is $1.26 per gallon. At Spur, unleaded plus
costs $1.19. At Chevron, premium unleaded costs $1.33. The
price for premium unleaded at Exxon is $1.32. At Spur, you
would pay $1.30 for premium unleaded. The average price for
gas at Chevron and Exxon is $1.24. The average price for gas at
Spur is $1.19.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I discovered that Chevron had the most expensive gasoline. My
data also told me that Exxon is cheaper than Chevron, but still
more expensive than Spur. My data shows that Spur has the
cheapest gasoline. Therefore, I reject my hypothesis which
stated that Chevron had the cheapest gasoline.
V. APPLICATION:
I can apply my findings to everyday life by letting consumers
know that Spur sells the cheapest gasoline.
TITLE: Which Local Grocery Store Sells The Least Expensive
Pizza?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Drew McLaughlin
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I want to find out which supermarket sells the least expensive
large pepperoni pizza on a per ounce basis. My first
hypothesis states that Totino's Pizza will be the cheapest. My
second hypothesis states that A&P Grocery will have the lowest
price.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose, reviewed my literature about
consumerism, formulated my hypothesis, and outlined my
methodology. Next, I went to A&P, both the old and new Winn-
Dixie, and Delchamps. All of the stores are located in
Mandeville. I recorded the price per ounce of a large
pepperoni pizza made by each of the following companies :
Tombstone, Totino's, and Red Baron. Then I analyzed my data.
After my summary and conclusion were written, I applied my
findings to the real world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The price per ounce for Red Baron at Delchamps was $.19, at the
old and new Winn-Dixie it was $.15, and at A&P it was $.20.
Totino's cost $.13 per ounce at Delchamps, $.13 per ounce at
the old and new Winn-Dixie, and $.17 per ounce at A&P.
Tombstone was priced at $.14 per ounce at Delchamps, at the old
and new Winn-Dixie it was $.13 per ounce, and at A&P it was
$.17 per ounce.
The average price per ounce for Red Baron frozen pizza was
$.18. The average price for Tombstone was $.15. The average
price for Totino's was $.14. The average price per ounce of
frozen pizza at the old and new Winn-Dixie was $.14, at
Delchamps it was $.15, , and at A&P it was $.17.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Red Baron was the most expensive frozen pizza. Tombstone was
the next most expensive. Totino's was the cheapest.
Therefore, I accept my first hypothesis which states that
Totino's Pizza will be the cheapest. Winn-Dixie had the lowest
average price per ounce. Delchamps had the second lowest
average price. A&P has the highest average price. Therefore I
reject my second hypothesis which states that A&P Grocery will
have the lowest price.
V. APPLICATION:
If you want a good, cheap, frozen pizza, go to Winn-Dixie and
buy a Totino's pizza.
TITLE: Where Do Most Sixth Graders Go To Get A
Haircut?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Gregory Horn
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to know where most sixth graders go to
get their haircuts. My hypothesis states that most
sixth graders go to Supercuts to get a haircut.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose. Next, I
reviewed the literature on consumerism. Then I developed
a hypothesis and a methodology to test it. Then I
developed my data collection form. I then called local
barber shops and beauty salons to see which place had
the lowest price for a haircut. Next, I began my data
collection. Then I recorded the results. Then I
analyzed my data. Next, I wrote my summary and
conclusions. Then I applied what I had found out to
the real world. Finally, I turned in my abstract. Then
I published it in the national journal of student
research.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
For a kid's haircut, Fantastic Sam's had the best
price at $5.99. Supercuts was slightly higher at $7.95.
Covington Haircutters was $9.00. The Looking Glass was
$14.00. The most expensive; however, was Chic Hair at
$15.00.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
The prices for a kid's haircut ranged from $5.99 to
$15.00. The average for a kid's haircut was $10.39.
Since Fantastic Sam's had the lowest price, I reject
my hypothesis that stated Supercuts would have the
lowest price.
V. APPLICATION:
Now when I go to get a haircut, I will go to
Fantastic Sam's because I know they have the lowest
price.
TITLE: Where Do Sixth Graders Spend Their Money?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Justin Moree
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I want to find out, as a consumer, where sixth graders spend
their money. My first hypothesis stated that the majority of
six grade students would go to K-Mart to buy clothing. My
second hypothesis stated that six grade students would go to
Campo to buy audio equipment. My third hypothesis stated the
majority of students would go to Playville for toys. My fourth
hypothesis stated that the majority of students would go to
McDonalds for fast food.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated a problem, conducted a review of literature on
consumerism, and developed a hypothesis. Next, I developed a
methodology which includes the following: developing a
questionnaire, drawing a random sample of twelve sixth grade
students, administering the questionnaires, and scoring the
questionnaires. Finally , I analyzed the data, came up with a
summary and conclusion, applied my findings to the real world,
and published my abstract.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
I sent out 12 questionnaires and received 10 back. Under
clothing, 2 students went to K-Mart, 3 students went to Wal-
Mart, and a majority of 8 students went to other places which
were J.C. Penny, the mall, Maison Blanche, Sears, Gap, Limited,
Around, and Champs. Under audio, 5 students went to Campo
Electronics and Radio Shack, 1 student went to Northerner
Electronics and Happen Music, and 2 students went to Wal-Mart.
Under toys, 3 students went to Playville, 5 students went to K-
Mart and Wal-Mart, and 2 students went to Champs. Under fast
food, 4 students went to Bugger King, Wendy's, and Dairy Queen,
7 students went to McDonald's, and 1 student went to another
place.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
In my research, I discovered that a majority of 8 students went
to J.C.Penny, the Mall, Maison Blanche, Sears, Gap, Limited,
Around, and Champs for clothes. Therefore I rejected my first
hypothesis that stated students would go to K-Mart for clothes.
I accepted my second hypothesis which stated that students
would go to Campo Electronics for audio equipment. I rejected
my third hypothesis that stated students would go to Playville
for toys because students really went to Wal-Mart and K-mart.
I accepted my fourth hypothesis which stated students would go
to McDonalds for fast food.
V. APPLICATION:
I could refer these data to the Chamber Of Commerce. I could
also use my data to find out which franchise to buy if I were
going to buy one.
TITLE: Junk Food Comparison
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Paul Brand
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to find out which grocery store has the cheapest
total price on a six-pack of Coke, a three-pack of Pop-Secret
popcorn, a 6 oz. bag of Lay's potato chips, a half-gallon
container of Blue Bell ice cream, and a 24 oz. bottle of
Hershey's chocolate syrup. My hypothesis states that Delchamps
will have the cheapest prices on the products in my research.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose and conducted a review
of literature on consumerism. Second, I developed a hypothesis
and wrote my methodology. Then I visited three different
stores and recorded the prices for a six-pack of Coke, a three-
pack of Pop-Secret popcorn, a 6 oz. bag of Lay's potato chips,
a half-gallon container of Blue Bell ice cream, and a 24 oz.
bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup onto my data collection
form. Then I analyzed the data to find out the lowest overall
price and wrote my summary and conclusion. Then I applied my
findings to the outside world and published my abstract.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The total price at A&P for a six-pack of Coke, a 6 oz. bag of
Lay's potato chips, a half-gallon container of Blue Bell golden
rimmed ice cream, and a 24 oz. bottle of Hershey's chocolate
syrup was $11.44. At Winn-Dixie those products were $9.34. At
Delchamps those items were $11.03. Winn-Dixie is the cheapest
and A&P is the most expensive place to purchase those products.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
In my research, I found out that Winn-Dixie had the cheapest
prices for the products I surveyed in my research. Therefore,
I reject my hypothesis which stated that Delchamps would have
the cheapest prices on the products I surveyed in my research.
V. APPLICATION:
Since Winn-Dixie had the cheapest prices on the products I
surveyed in my research, I will recommend Winn-Dixie to people
who purchase junk food.
TITLE: Where Can You Buy The Cheapest Pizza?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Ricky Hill
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to find out where I could buy the cheapest large
pizza. My hypothesis stated that delivering a pizza would be
cheaper than eating it in a restaurant or taking it out because
you don't have to spend money driving.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose. After that I conducted
a review of literature about consumerism and wrote my
hypothesis. Next, I obtained menus from a delivery pizza
store, a take out pizza store, and a pizza restaurant where you
can eat. After gathering my data, I analyzed them with charts
and graphs. Next, I accepted or rejected my hypothesis. Then
I wrote a summary and conclusion. Finally, I applied my
findings to the world outside my classroom and published an
abstract.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Delivering a pizza from Dominoes costs $9.99. At Pizza Hut, it
costs $10.99, At Roma's, it cost $7.00. The average price to
deliver a pizza is $9.96. Take out and eat in are the same
price as delivery, but when you include gas mileage, the price
of the pizza is increased by at least thirty cents.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I found out that delivering a pizza costs less than taking one
out or eating one at a pizza store. Therefore, I accept my
hypothesis which stated that delivering a pizza would be the
cheapest.
V. APPLICATION:
I can apply my findings to the world outside my classroom by
telling my mom to order a delivered pizza next time we eat
pizza. That way we can save money.
TITLE: Which Store Has The Cheapest Prices On Snack Foods
STUDENT AUTHOR: Jonathan Landry
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Mrs. Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a survey research project on consumerism. I
wanted to find out which store has the cheapest prices on
specific snack foods. My hypothesis stated that Winn-Dixie
will have cheaper prices than Delchamps and A&P.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose and then I did my review of
literature on consumerism. Following that I developed my
hypothesis. My next step was to visit A&P, Winn-Dixie, and
Delchamps. Then I located the shelf price on a box of
chocolate chip Kudo bars, a nine pack of Frito Lay small
variety chips, one pound two ounce bag Original Chips Ahoy
cookies, new low-fat, brown sugar Granola bars, and a six pack
of Jello gelatin snacks. I recorded all of the prices onto my
data collection form. My next step was to analyze my data. I
later wrote my summary and conclusion where I accepted or
rejected my hypothesis. I was then able to apply my findings
to everyday life.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
At A&P, the price of seven chocolate Kudo bars was $1.99, a
nine pack of Frito Lay variety chips cost $2.79, six Jello
gelatin cups costs $2.19, low-fat, brown sugar Granola bars
cost $2.89, and an 18 ounce bag of Original Chips Ahoy cookies
costs $2.80. The total cost at A&P was $12.66.
At Winn-Dixie, the prices for the same items were $1.58 for
Kudo bars, Frito Lay chips cost $2.79, Jello cups cost $2.39,
Granola bars cost $2.89, and chocolate chip cookies cost $2.97.
The total cost at Winn-Dixie was $12.23.
At Delchamps the prices for the same items were $2.59 for Kudo
bars, Frito Lay chips cost $2.79, Jello cups cost $2.79,
Granola bars cost $2.59, and chocolate chip cookies cost $2.99.
The total cost at Delchamps was $13.75.
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
The Winn-Dixie total was $12.23. The A&P total was $12.66. The
Delchamps total was $13.75. Because of the data listed, I
accepted my hypothesis which stated that Winn-Dixie will have
cheaper prices than Delchamps and A&P for specific snack foods.
V. Application:
Now that I have all of this information, I can apply it to the
real world outside the classroom. I can tell my friends and
family that Winn-Dixie is cheaper than Delchamps and A&P for
snack foods.
TITLE: SANDWICH SHOPPER
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Katie Perkins
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Mrs. Marino, M. Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a survey research project on consumerism. I
wanted to find out which grocery store sells the cheapest
sandwich materials. My hypothesis stated that the total price
for specific sandwich products will be lower at Winn Dixie than
at A&P or Delchamps.
II. METHODOLOGY:
I stated my purpose, did a review of literature on consumerism,
and developed my hypothesis. I went to Winn Dixie, Delchamps,
and A&P. I located and found the shelf price for these items:
Vlasic (or Heinz) Kosher Crunchy Dills; 32 oz.
1 loaf Roman Meal sandwich bread
Frenches yellow mustard; 8 oz.
Blue Plate Light mayonnaise; 32 oz.
Mr. Turkey (or Louis Rich) sliced turkey ham; 16 oz.
Kraft Free American pre-sliced cheese singles; 24 slices.
I recorded the price of each on my data collection sheet. I
analyzed the data, wrote a summary and conclusion, and applied
my findings to the everyday life. I published my abstract.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
At A&P, the shelf price was $1.29 for a loaf of Roman Meal
sandwich bread; $.67 an 8-oz. bottle of Frenches yellow
mustard; $3.19 for a 32-oz. jar of Blue Plate Light mayonnaise;
$3.99 for a 24-slice pack of Kraft Free American pre-sliced
cheese singles; $3.49 for a 16-oz. package of Mr. Turkey sliced
turkey ham; and $2.97 for a 32-oz. jar of Heinz Kosher Crunchy
Dills. The total was $15.42.
At Delchamps, the Roman Meal was $1.29, the mustard $.75, the
mayonnaise $2.38, the turkey ham $3.19, the cheese $3.39, and
the Vlasic pickles $1.99, for a total of $12.99.
At Winn Dixie, the Roman Meal was $1.28, the mustard $,61, the
mayonnaise $1.98, and the cheese $3.67. The Vlasic pickles
were $1.88 and the Louis Rich turkey ham $2.98, for a total of
$11.90.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
A&P's total was $15.42, Delchamps' total was $12.99, and Winn
Dixie's total was $11.90. When compared Winn Dixie's total was
the lowest. Therefore, I accept my hypothesis which stated
that the total price for the specific sandwich items would be
lower at Winn Dixie than at A&P or Delchamps.
V. APPLICATION:
Now that I know that Winn Dixie has the cheapest total for
sandwich supplies, I will encourage my mother to continue
shopping there.
© 1994 John I. Swang, Ph.D.