The National Student Research Center

E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism

Volume 3, Number 2, July, 1995

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

1. The Best Breed of Swine for a Market Hog
2. Grocery Bag Strength
3. Are All Shampoos pH Balanced?
4. The Taste of Store Brand and Name Brand Cereals
5. Detergent Cleaning Systems
6. Which Pizza Place In Holden, MA Is the Cheapest?
7. Natural Detergents
8. Which Paper Towel Has The Best Wet Strength?
9. The Paper Towel Battle: Absorbency, Durability, and Cost

Title:  The Best Breed of Swine for a Market Hog

Student Researcher:  David McCoy
School:  Ridgewood Middle School
            Shreveport, LA
Grade: 7
Teacher:  Mrs. Hoaas


I.  Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

I want to know more about the breeds of pigs.  I would like to
know which breed has the greatest percent of back fat and has
the largest litters.  My hypothesis states that the white breed
of pigs are the best mothers and have the largest litters.
They also have the longest bodies.  The dark breeds have the
largest percent of back fat.

II.  Methodology:

First, I will write my statement of purpose, review the
literature and hypothesis.  I will then read and study about
the different   breeds of pigs.  Then I will record my
observations on my data collection sheet.  Next, I will conduct
an analysis of my data.  Finally, I will accept or reject my
hypothesis and write my summary and conclusion.

III.  Analysis of Data:

When collecting my data, I observed that the Yorkshire hog
ranked first in mothering ability.  She also has the largest
litter of pigs.  Their bodies are one of the longest and their
average back fat is low.  A     Yorkshire hog would make the best
market hog.

IV.  Summary and Conclusion:

The Yorkshire hog is called, "The Mother Breed."  She is ranked
at the top of the breeds in mothering ability, milking
ability, and has large  litters.  Their bodies are one of the
longest and they produce high quality carcass.  Therefore, I
accept my hypothesis which stated that the white breeds have
the largest litters, longest bodies, and are the best mothers.
I do not accept the part of my hypothesis that states the dark
breeds have the largest percent of back fat.  These breeds were
below average.

V.  Application:

When buying my pigs for the fair, I will consider buying pigs
that have       been crossbred with a Yorkshire, because I know
this breed has long length of body, outstanding mothering
ability, below average back fat, and is excellent for
crossbreeding.



TITLE:  Grocery Bags

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Adam Henning
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Ellen Marino, M.Ed.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I wanted to do a scientific research project to determine which
type of grocery bag is better for holding weight and which is
better for holding moistness.  I would be testing paper and
plastic grocery bags.  My hypothesis states that paper bag will
be better for holding items that are cool and produce moisture.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed a hypothesis.  Next, I gathered all of my materials.
Then I hung a plastic bag  on a metal hook.  Next, I folded a
paper bag over a trash can so that the bottom of the bag was
not touching the bottom of the trash can.  Then I placed a two
liter bottle of coke in each bag and waited five minutes.  Then
I observed each bag for signs of tearing or stretching.  Next,
I placed a second two liter bottle of coke in each bag and
waited ten minutes.  Then I observed each bag again for signs
of tearing or stretching.  Next, I placed a third two liter
bottle of coke in each bag and waited 15 minutes.  Then I
observed each bag a final time.  Next, after recording all of
my information on my data collection form, I replaced each bag
with a fresh one.  Then I put the two liter bottles in the
refrigerator for two  hours.  Next, I set them on the counter
for 15 minutes to develop moisture like they would in the car
ride home from the grocery store.  Then I placed two bottles in
each bag and waited 15 more minutes.  I then observed each bag
and looked for signs of weakness.  I repeated the procedure two
more times.  Finally, I recorded my information on my data
collection form.  Lastly, I analyzed my data, wrote a summary
and conclusion, and applied my findings to the real world.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

In trial one of testing dry paper bags, after five minutes and
ten minutes of testing, there was no effect on the bag.  But
after fifteen minutes, the edges of the bag began to tear.  In
trials two and three, after five, ten, and fifteen minutes of
testing, there was no effect on the bags strength.  In trial
one of dry plastic bag testing, after five minutes of testing,
there was no effect on the bag's strength.  After ten minutes
of testing the handles began to stretch.  After fifteen minutes
of testing the bag handles stretched a lot.  In trial two,
after five minutes there was no effect on the bag.  After ten
minutes the handles began to stretch.  After fifteen minutes
the handles stretched a lot and finally tore.  In trial three,
after five minutes of testing the bag handles began to stretch.
After ten minutes of testing, the handles stretched a little
more.  After fifteen minutes of testing, the handles stretched
a little more.

In trials one, two, and three of the moist paper bag testing,
there was not enough moisture to effect the bag's strength.  In
trials one, two, and three of testing moist plastic bags the
moisture did not effect the bag's strength.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

After three trials of dry paper bag testing, there was a
minimal effect on the bags.  After three trials of testing dry
plastic bags, all of the handles on the bags had stretched.
After three trials of testing moist paper bags, there was not
enough moisture to effect the bag's strength.  I feel that if I
would have let more moisture develop on the bottles that it
would have effected the bag's strength.  After three trials of
testing moist plastic bags, the moisture did not affect the
bag's strength.  I therefore reject my hypothesis stated that
paper bag will be better for holding items that are cool and
produce moisture.  The paper bags and plastic bags held cool,
moist items just as well in my study.

V.  APPLICATION:

I now know that paper bags and plastic bags hold weight and
moist objects just as well.  I will tell my mom to ask for
paper bags when she has heavy items and plastic bags when she
has very moist items.



TITLE:  Are Shampoos pH Balanced?

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Adam Henning
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  E. Marino, M.Ed.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I want to find out what the pH of three shampoos that do not
claim to be pH balanced is.  My hypothesis states that all
shampoos tested will be Ph balanced.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote a statement of purpose, reviewed the literature
about pH, and developed a hypothesis.  Then I took three
shampoos that did not claim to be pH balanced.  These shampoos
were Suave, Flex, and T/Gel.  Then I filled each bottle cap
with shampoo, put a piece of pH paper in them, and recorded the
color and number to which the pH paper changed.  I repeated
this process two more times.  Finally, I analyzed my data,
wrote a summary and conclusion, and applied my findings to the
real world.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

In trials one, two, and three of testing Suave shampoo the pH
paper turned to a very light orange which is number six neutral
on the pH scale.  In trials one, two, and three of testing Flex
shampoo, the pH paper turned to a very light shade of orange
which is number six neutral on the pH scale.  In trials one,
two, and three of testing T/Gel shampoo the pH paper changed to
a very light shade of orange which is number six neutral on the
pH scale.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

All of the shampoos tested were number six on the pH scale.
This indicates that the shampoos were slightly acidic.  I
therefore reject my hypothesis which stated that all shampoos
tested would be pH balanced.

V.  APPLICATION:

Since all of the shampoos tested were slightly acidic, I will
tell my mom to buy shampoos that are pH balanced.



Title:  Cereal Testing

Student Researchers:  Chrissy Michalec and Meghan Kerrigan
School Address:  Fox Lane Middle School
                 Fox Lane Campus
                 Bedford NY 10506
Grade:  7
Teacher:  Dr. Sears


I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

We wanted to find out more about the difference between store
brand and name brand cereals.  We believe both taste the same
and that people are spending too much money on a name brand
cereal when they could be spending less on a cereal that tastes
just the same.  Our hypothesis stated that people wouldn't be
able to tell the difference between name and store brand
cereals and that they would even like the store brand better.

II. Methodology:

We tested our hypothesis by blindfolding eight different
people, and seeing whether or not they could tell the
difference between name and store brand cereals.  Next, we had
them each try the cereals (not blindfolded) and tell us which
tasted better to them.  We also researched how much sugar, fat,
sodium, and carbohydrates were in the products to see why some
cereals are more flavorful then others.  We used eight
different cereals: Frosted Flakes store and name brand, Rice
Krispies store and name brand, Cocoa Puffs store and name
brand, and Kix store and name brand.  We also used: milk,
bowls, and spoons.

III. Analysis of Data:

Our research shows that some people were able to tell the
difference between name and store brand cereals, and that some
were not.  Sometimes our graphs showed that, for certain
cereals, half were able to tell the difference and half were
not.  Other data shows that more people were able to tell the
difference.  And some data shows that more people were not able
to tell the difference.  All our results really depended on
what cereal it was.  Regarding what cereal was preferred (store
or name brand) when our subjects were not blindfolded, we found
that the results varied once again.  For certain cereals people
liked the name brand better and about half the people liked the
store brand better.  About half the people were able to tell
the difference between the two.

IV. Summary and Conclusion:

In conclusion, we believe that about half of the people we
tested were able to tell the difference between the two
cereals, and that about half the people we tested liked the
name brand better then the store brand, and the other half
liked the store brand better than the name brand.  Our data did
not fully support our hypothesis.  We cannot accept or reject
our hypothesis.

V.  Application:

Our research can be used to show that you can buy store brand
cereals for a lower price with the same exact taste the name
brand has.  Our findings help people in a way that they can pay
less for food so they're not spending as much money.  If every
product had a store brand product that was cheaper than the
name brand, Americans could be saving billions of dollars each
year.



Title:  Detergent Cleaning Systems

Student Researchers:  Leah Alloy and Aria Finger
School Address:  Fox Lane Middle School
                 Fox Lane Campus Bedford, N.Y. 10506
Grade:  6
Teacher:  Dr. Sears


I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

We wanted to find out which detergents clean stains best.  We
used two different detergents to see which gets out three
different kinds of stains the best.  We thought the brand name
detergent might work better than the Shop Rite brand and that
both detergents would clean better than plain water.

II. Methodology:

The materials we used in our experiment were: socks, bowls,
detergents, muddy water, a whisk, chocolate syrup, ketchup,
measuring cups, tongs, water, and things to dry the socks on.
First, we prepared 36 socks by staining them.  We soaked 12
socks in muddy water (four for both of the detergents and four
for the control group) until they were stained.  We stained
twelve different socks with ketchup.  Then we stained the last
twelve socks with chocolate syrup.  We filled thirty-six bowls
for cleaning the socks with four cups of water each.  To twelve
bowls we added a quarter of a cup of detergent A.  To twelve
other bowls we added a quarter of a cup of detergent B.  The
remaining twelve bowls we left just with water in them.  Then
we added a total of 12 socks (four socks per way of staining)
to each bowl.  We soaked the socks for ten minutes.  We stirred
them with a whisk once a minute.  After ten minutes, we took
the socks out of the bowls with tongs and laid them out to dry.
Then we rated the socks according to our scale of dirtiness,
from 1-5.  The cleanest rating was 1 and the dirtiest rating
was 5.  The independent variables were the different kinds of
stains and detergents.  The dependent variable was how clean
the socks got.  The constant variables were the brand and size
of sock; the amount of water, detergent, ketchup, chocolate
syrup, and muddy water; the amount of time the socks were
soaked; and how much each sock got stirred.

III. Analysis of Data:

The brand name cleaned better than the Shop Rite brand. The
detergents cleaned better than plain water.

IV. Summary and Conclusion:

Both detergents worked better than the control group, which was
simply soaked in water.  The control group just rinsed the
socks, it didn't really wash them.  The brand name worked
better than the Shop Rite.  The brand name was more expensive
than the Shop Rite brand, so it was probably higher quality.
Therefore, we accepted both our hypotheses: the brand name
would work better than the Shop Rite brand and the Shop Rite
brand would work better than just water.  More experiments with
other store brands needs to be done.

V. Application:

We can apply this information to our lives.  We will use this
information next time we buy a detergent.  We will want to buy
Tide because we used it in our experiment as the brand name and
it worked very well.



TITLE:  Which Pizza Place In Holden Is The Cheapest?

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:  Christie Reynolds & Megan Towle
SCHOOL:  Dawson Elementary School
         Holden, Massachusetts
GRADE:  5
TEACHER:  Wayne A. Boisselle,  M.  Ed.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

We wanted to find out which pizza place in Holden had the
lowest price for a large cheese pizza.  We also wanted to find
out which pizza place in Holden 5th graders preferred the most.
Our first hypothesis stated that Orbit Pizza had the lowest
price of a large cheese pizza in the town of Holden.  Our
second hypothesis stated that 5th grade students preferred Papa
Gino's more than any other pizza place in Holden.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we wrote our statement of purpose and did a literature
review.  Next, we developed our hypothesis.  Then we developed
a survey, randomly picked 40 5th grade students and distributed
the surveys to the classes.  Next, we called all the pizza
places in Holden to get the size and cost for a large cheese
pizza.  As the surveys were returned we scored them and entered
our data into our collection chart.  We then analyzed our data.
Next, we accepted or rejected our hypothesis.  Finally, we
wrote our conclusion and applied our findings to the real
world.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

We sent out 40 surveys and received 33 back.  Vinny's got 170
points and the cost was $7.50 for a 16 inch pizza.  Golden
Crust got 108 points and the cost was $6.83 for a 15 inch
pizza.  Holden Pizza got 103 total points and the cost was
$6.50 for a 15 inch pizza.  Orbit Pizza got 103 total points
and the cost was $6.50 for a 16 inch pizza.  Pizza Palace got
97 points and the cost was $6.40 for a 15 inch pizza.  Papa
Gino's got 63 points and the cost was $7.99 and was a 14 inch
pizza.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

Our data showed that Orbit Pizza was the cheapest pizza place
in Holden at $6.50 and that 5th graders preferred Papa Gino's
more than any other pizza place in Holden.  Therefore, we
accepted our first hypothesis which stated that Orbit Pizza had
the lowest price of a large cheese pizza in the town of Holden.
We accepted our second hypothesis which stated that 5th graders
preferred Papa Gino's more than any other pizza place in
Holden.

V.  APPLICATION:

Our project can be used in the real world because people will
know what the cheapest pizza place and most preferred place in
Holden are.



Title:  Natural Detergents

Student Researchers:  Colleen Moore and Julia Trotta
School Address:  Fox Lane Middle School
                Fox Lane Campus
                Bedford, New York 10506
Grade:  6th
Teacher:  Sears\Russo


Statement or Purpose and Hypothesis:

We wanted to find out what natural ingredients form a good
detergent.  We wanted a detergent that does not harm the earth,
but gets laundry clean.  We used baking soda as the main
ingredient.  We also added a small amount of one other natural
ingredient.  Our hypothesis stated that baking soda and vinegar
would work best.

Variables:

The controlled variables in this experiment were the amount of
detergents used, the size of the cloth, the amount of stain on
the cloth, the day the experiment took place, the time the
experiment took place, the temperature of the water, the amount
of natural ingredients, the soaking time, the drying time, the
amount of water (two cups), and the number of swishes (forty
times).  The independent variable was the ingredient added to
the baking soda.  The dependent variable was the cleanliness of
the cloth.

Materials:

Large white sheet, stains (grass, mud, orange juice, chocolate
milk, Pepsi, coffee, and ink), natural ingredients (vinegar,
lemon juice, club soda. oatmeal, water, and salt), baking soda,
dryer, whisk, bowls, water

Procedure:

We cut the sheet into six even pieces.  We then stained each
piece with three drops of each stain.  Next, we labeled six
bowls with the corresponding sheet numbered one through six.
Bowl #l contained two cups of cold water, two tablespoons of
baking soda, and one tablespoon of lemon juice.  Bowl #2
contained two cups of cold water, two tablespoons of baking
soda, and one tablespoon of water.  Bowl #3 contained two cups
of cold water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and one
tablespoon of vinegar.  Bowl #4 contained two cups of cold
water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and one tablespoon of
oatmeal.  Bowl #5 contained two cups of cold water, two
tablespoons of baking soda, and one tablespoon of salt.  Bowl
#6 contained two cups of cold water, two tablespoons of baking
soda, and one tablespoon of club soda.  We put the sheets
(which were already labeled one through six) in their bowl.  We
then whisked each bowl with the sheet inside forty times and
then let them soak for ten minutes.  When the ten minutes had
past we took each sheet out, rinsed them off, and put them in
the dryer for ten minutes.  Next, we recorded our results on a
data table.  After the results have been recorded we devised a
ranking system of cleanliness to be used in order to record on
our graph. This is the system:

O = original stain
l = darkest
2 = lightly faded
3 = half clean (faded) 4 flight
5 = barely visible
6 = no visible stains

Analysis of Data:

Our hypothesis was not supported by our data.

Summary and Conclusion:

We found out that baking soda and oatmeal clean Laundry the
best.  Our data proved that baking soda and lemon juice along
with baking soda and water tied for second place.  Vinegar took
third.  Salt got fourth and club soda came in last.  This
proves that natural materials can clean well.  One limitation
in our experiment was that there were no repeated trials. Our
hypothesis was rejected because baking soda and vinegar cleaned
only third best.

Application:

Our discovery that laundry can be cleaned well with natural
ingredients can help improve the environment by making less
pollution.  That means safer drinking water for us and the
animals.  Also the detergent would be sold in recycled
cardboard boxes, which would save more trees.  It would also he
cheap and easy to use, so you could just throw it in the washer
or take our approach and soak it in a bowl for ten minutes,
stirring occasionally.  This would make the present environment
better and the future wonderful.



Title:  Which Paper Towel Has the Best Wet Strength

Student Researcher:  Charlie Ruce
School:  Christ the King & St. Thomas the Apostle School
         3210 W. 51st Street
         Minneapolis, MN 55410
Grade:  8th
Teacher:  Ms Cope


I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

I wanted to find out which paper towel out of Bounty Paper
Towels, Brawny Paper Towels, Hi-Dri Paper Towels, and Green
Forest Paper Towels had the best wet strength.  My hypothesis
stated that either Brawny or Bounty would have the best wet
strength.  I thought that because they looked the strongest and
felt the strongest.  The other two looked and felt cheap and
thin.

II.  Methodology:

The first thing I did was I looked at test results in Consumer
Reports Magazine which they had done five years ago.  I then
developed my hypothesis. I then bought four different kinds of
paper towels.  The manipulated variable was the different kinds
of paper towel.  The variables held constant were the
size of each paper towel and the ply of the  paper towels, and
the amount of water put on each paper towel.  I added two
hundred and fifty milliliters of water to each towel, secured
them to a coffee can with a rubber band, and then added
weights.  My weights were silver dollars.  Then I recorded the
amount of weight that could be put on the each paper towel
before it broke.  I repeated this process six times with each
kind of paper towel.  I then analyzed my data and shared it
with my classmates.

III.  Analysis of Data:

Bounty held the most weight every time I tested it.   Green
Forest was next and then Brawny Hi-Dr! held the !east.

IV.  Summary and Conclusion:

Bounty held more weight then any other paper towel.  Therefore,
I accepted my hypothesis which stated that either Brawny or
Bounty would have the best wet strength.

V.  Application:

I can apply this to my life in the sense that paper towels are
used in my house almost every day.  We use them to pick up
spills and messes.  It is very important that our Paper Towel
is strong.



Title:  The Paper Towel Battle

Student Researcher:  Amanda Dean
School:  Kenmore Middle School
         Kenmore, New York
Grade:  8
Teacher:  Evelyn Swarts


I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

I wanted to know more about the value of paper towels.  I
figured the most important features of value in a paper towel
were absorbency, durability, and cost.  My hypothesis stated
that the Bounty brand of paper towels would be the best value.

II. Methodology:

Absorbency: First, I cut each paper towel so they would each be
the same size. I then filled a bowl up with water and soaked
one paper towel in the bowl for thirty seconds.  When the time
was up I squeezed the excess water into a graduated cylinder
and recorded my measurements.  I did this test for each paper
towel three times.  The manipulated variable was the four
different brands of paper towel. The responding variable was
the amount of water squeezed out.  The variables held at
constant were the size of each paper towel, the amount of time
I let each paper towel soak in the water, the texture, color,
thickness, and the amount of pressure I used to squeeze out the
water.

Durability: First, I bought six apples and weighed each of
them.  Then I cut each paper towel to the same size, wet it and
squeezed all the extra water out.  My sister held two of the
corners and I held the other two so the towel was taunt.  I
placed each apple on the towel one at a time.  When the towel
broke, I added up how much weight was on it.  I ran this test
on each paper towel three times.  I also did the same test, but
with a dry paper towel.  I then recorded all of my results.
The manipulated variable was the four brands of paper towels.
The responding variable was how much weight each paper towel
held.  The variables held at constant were the size of each
paper towel, how taunt the paper towel was held, the texture,
color, thickness, and the amount of water soaked up and
squeezed out by the paper towel.  The four brands of paper
towels I used were: Tops Brand, Scott Towels, Brawny, and
Bounty.  I Also recorded the cost of each paper towel brand.

III. Analysis of Data:

I did each test to the four different paper towels three times
each. I found that Bounty was the most absorbent and the most
durable, wet and dry. I made a graph showing the value.

IV. Summary and Conclusion:

I determined the Bounty paper towel to be the best value
because it was the most absorbent and durable.  Bounty paper
towels are also the most expensive. Many factors can contribute
to how absorbent a durable the paper towel is. Absorbency has
to do with how porous the paper towel is.  The larger and more
pores there are in the towel, the more the towel absorbs.
Also, if the towel is made out of synthetic and/or natural
fibers is a related factor.  The strength of the paper towel
has to do with how close the pulp grains are together, the size
of the grains, and if it is a 1-ply or 2-ply paper towel. In
the end, it all really depends on what the consumer wants for
their money.

V. Application:

I can apply what I learned from this project in many ways now
and in the future.  It taught me how to use the scientific
method and follow each of the steps.  I learned to be an
educated consumer and know what factors to look for in a
product.  I learned what value was and how to determine it.
This knowledge of value can help me in the future when I have a
job.  I will know how to buy and sell things because I'll know
what to look for in them.  This project taught me that spending
money all depends on what you want in a product: quality, less
cost, or value.

© 1995 John I. Swang, Ph.D.