The National Student Research Center

E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism

Volume 4, Number 1, December, 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. Which Fertilizer Makes Plants Grow Faster and Taller?
2. The Cheapest Brand Name Shoes
3. College Tuition Prices
4. Generic Vs. Name Brand Pharmaceutical Drugs
5. Comparison Shopping For A Thanksgiving Dinner
6. Which Airline Has The Most Economical Airfare To Paris, France?
7. The Cost Of A CD Player
8. Electricity Saving
9. Where To Find The Cheapest Movie Rental For One And Two Nights
10. Getting Your Money's Worth On Clothes
11. Namebrand And Generic Drugs

TITLE:  Which Fertilizer Makes Plants Grow Faster and Taller?

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Brian Ryals
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Pam Pearlstein

I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I am trying to find out which fertilizer makes plants grow
faster and taller.  My hypothesis states that Ferti-Lome will
make plants grow faster and taller.

II.  METHODOLGY:

To do this experiment, I bought four tomato plants that were
similar in size.  I put them each into separate six-inch pot
with the same kind of soil.  Every two days I watered and
fertilized them.

Plant "1" only gets water.  Plant "2" gets water with
one-half
teaspoon of Miracle Gro per half gallon of water.  Plant "3"
gets water with one-half teaspoon of Ferti-Lome per half gallon
of water.  Plant "4" gets water with one-half teaspoon of K Gro
per half gallon of water.

Every seven days I will measure the plants in millimeters and
count the number of stems.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

Plant 1 was 249 mm at the beginning of the experiment and was
340 mm at the end.  Plant 2 was 265 mm at the beginning and 350
mm at the end.  Plant 3 was 250 mm at the beginning and 435 mm
at the end.  Plant 4 was 231 mm at the beginning and 395 mm at
the end.  Stem growth was also measured.  Plant I started the
experiment with 10 stems and ended with 15.  Plant 2 started
with 9 stems and ended with 29.  Plant 3 started with 10 stems
and ended with 31.  Plant 4 started with 9 and ended with 23.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

After analyzing the data, I found that Ferti-Lome works the
best because Plant 3 grew faster and taller.  The rest of the
data had conflicting results.  Plant 1 was third in height and
fourth in stem growth.  Plant 2 was fourth in height and second
in stem growth.  Plant 4 was second in height and fourth in
stem growth.  Therefore, I accept my hypothesis which states
that Ferti-Lome will make plants grow faster and taller.

V.  APPLICATION:

Since I figured out which fertilizer works the best, I can
encourage my mom to use Ferti-Lome on her garden.



TITLE:  The Cheapest Brand Name Shoes

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Curtis Akey and Chad Guevara
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

A consumer is a person that uses anything grown or made by
producers; like shoes.  Consumerism is a trend toward increased
protection of consumers from unsafe manufacturing processes and
from misleading labeling, promotion practices, and toward
protection of the environment as far as possible.  We would
like to do a survey research project on where you can purchase
the cheapest brand name athletic shoes like Nike, Reebok, or
Adidas.  Our hypothesis states that Oschmans will have cheaper
brand name shoes than Joe's Shoe Store and Foot Locker.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we decided that we wanted to do our survey project on
the cheapest brand name shoes for our topic and wrote  our
statement of purpose.  Second, we conducted our review of
literature.  The we developed our hypothesis and methodology to
test our hypothesis.  Third, we called the shoes stores in our
study and recorded the prices of the shoes that we surveyed.
Finally, we wrote our complete report and sent it to the NSRC
Journal.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

Out of the stores that we called, we found out that Joe's had
the cheapest average for brand name athletic shoes at $62.66.
Foot Locker came in second with an average price of $75.99.
Oschmans had the most expensive average price at $87.49.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

On average, you can get the cheapest name brand athletic shoes
at Joe's.  We reject my hypothesis which stated that Oschmans
would have the cheapest brand name athletic shoes.

V.  APPLICATION:

We will use our data when we need a new pair of athletic shoes
by buying them at Joe's.



TITLE:  College Tuition Prices

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:  Sarah Robison and Dana Rosenbladt
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

Consumerism is the movement seeking to protect and inform
consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and
pricing.  We want to do a consumerism research project on
college tuition prices.  We want to find good colleges and see
what in state and out of state tuitions they charge.  Our
hypothesis states that it would be cheaper for students to
attend a public college in the state that they live in.


II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we came up with a research idea.  Second, we wrote our
statement of purpose. Third, we wrote our review of literature.
Fourth, we wrote our hypothesis and methodology to test it.
Fifth, we developed our list of materials and completed our
data collection form.  Then we began our experiment and data
collection.  We collected the in state and out of state tutions
for numerous colleges.  Seventh, we analyzed our data.  Next,
we summarized our data and came to a conclusion.  Ninth, we
applied our findings to the world outside of the classroom.
Finally, we sent an abstract of our report to a local journal
of student research for publication.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

Out of our selected colleges, Valdosta State University has the
cheapest in state tuition of $1,731, and the University of
Texas has the highest in state tuition of $4,600.  The college
that has the lowest out of state tuition was the University of
Alabama.  It has the tuition of $4,458.  The most expensive out
of state tuition was $8,250 at the University of Washington.
The average in state tuition is $2,494.  The out of state
average is $6,119.  The average difference between in and out
of state tuitions is $3,394.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

We found that it is cheaper to attend a public university in
the state that you live in, instead of one that is out of your
state.  Therefore we accept our hypothesis that states that it
would be cheaper for students to attend a public university in
the state that they live in.

V.  APPLICATION:

We can use this information in the future.  We now know that it
is cheaper to go to a college in the state that you live in.



TITLE:  Generic Vs. Name Brand Drugs

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


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

Consumerism is "The movement of seeking to protect and inform
consumers by requiring such protection as honest packaging and
advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety
standards."  I would like to do a consumerism research project
on the cost of generic drugs vs. name brand drugs.  I want to
know if there is a major price difference.  My first hypothesis
states that, on average, generic drugs will cost less than name
brand drugs.  My second hypothesis states Edmund's Drug Store
will have the cheapest drug prices.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I wrote my statement of purpose and reviewed my
literature on name brand and generic drugs.  Second, I
developed my hypothesis and wrote my methodology.  Next, I
listed my materials that I needed to conduct my survey and made
my observation and data collection form.  Next, I began my
survey by going to Edmund's, Wal-mart, K-mart, Walgreen's, and
Eckerd's.  I compared the prices of Advil and its generic,
Aspirin and its generic, and Tylenol and its generic.  Then I
analyzed my data.  Finally, I wrote my summary and conclusion
in which I rejected or accepted my hypothesis and applied my
findings to the world outside of the classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

I found out that, on average, generic drugs are $2.16 less than
name brand drugs.  My other findings indicate that Wal-mart had
the cheapest drug prices with an average cost of $1.61 for
generic drugs and $3.61 for name brand drugs.  K-mart had the
second cheapest drug prices with an average of $2.73 for
generic drugs and $4.38 for name brand drugs.  Edmund's had the
third cheapest drug prices having an average of $2.12 for
generic drugs and $5.13 for name brand drugs.  Walgreen's had
the fourth cheapest drugs with an average of $2.82 for generic
drugs and $4.89 for name brand drugs.  Eckerd's had the most
expensive drugs with an average of $3.16 for generic drugs and
$5.26 for name brand drugs.  I also found out that the cheapest
pain reliever pill is Acetaminophen costing an average of $1.38
for 50 tablets. Then came ibuprofen costing an average of $1.47
for 50 tablets.  Last, came Aspirin costing an average of $1.97
for 100 tablets.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

In summary, I found out that, on average, generic drugs are
$2.16 cheaper than name brand drugs.  I also found out that, on
average, Wal-mart has the cheapest prices for pharmaceutical
drugs.  Therefore, I accept both of my hypotheses.

V.  APPLICATION:

I can apply my findings to the world outside of the classroom
by buying generic drugs at Wal-mart.



TITLE:  Comparison Shopping For A Thanksgiving Dinner

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:  Keri Beth Schroeder, Sarah Szpak, and
                      Krysta Ferguson
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

Consumerism is the act of telling people about their purchases.
In this way, people can demand better and safer products.  A
consumer is a buyer of products.  We would like to do a
scientific research project on a Thanksgiving dinner for a
family of six.  We want to know where to get the lowest prices
for all the items.  Our hypothesis states that A & P will have
the lowest total price on the selected products for a
Thanksgiving Dinner for a family of six.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we chose our topic and developed our statement of
purpose.  Second, we conducted our review of the literature.
Third, we developed our hypothesis and wrote our methodology.
Next, we listed our materials.  Fifth, we began our
observations and data collection.  Then we went to  A & P, Winn
Dixie ,and Delchamps to get the prices on certain namebrand
products.  Seventh, we analyzed the data that we had collected.
Eighth, we rejected or accepted our hypothesis and wrote our
summary and conclusions.  Finally, we applied our findings to
our families' Thanksgiving dinner by shopping at the store with
the lowest prices.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

We found out that A & P had the highest total price of $72.24
on the selected items for our Thanksgiving dinner.  Delchamps
had the second highest total price at $71.08.  The store with
the lowest total was Winn Dixie, with a price of $63.71.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

We found out that Winn Dixie had the lowest total price on the
selected items for a Thanksgiving Day dinner.  Therefore, we
reject our hypothesis which stated that A & P would have the
lowest total price on the items.

V.  APPLICATION:

We will apply our findings to daily life by telling our parents
to shop at Winn Dixie more often.



TITLE:  Which Airline Has The Most Economical Airfare To Paris,
        France?

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:  Tony Detomo And Michael Placito
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

Consumerism is a social movement dedicated to protecting
customers from fraud and to giving them the lowest prices on
goods and services.  We would like to find out which airline
offers the most economical airfare to Paris, France from New
York City, New York.  Our hypothesis states that Delta will
have a more economical airfare in both first class and coach to
Paris, France from New York City, New York.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we chose our topic of study.  Second, we developed our
statement of purpose.  After that we reviewed our literature.
Then we developed our hypothesis.  Then we selected six
airlines; Delta, American, Continental, Air France, United, and
Northwest to be part of the survey.  We also got the price for
the flight on the Concord at Air France.  We began our survey
and called all seven airlines and asked about the round-trip
price of a flight to Paris.  We asked for an October 10th
departure with a return fight on October 31st.  We asked for
the prices in first class and coach.  We then charted our
results and drew our conclusions.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

According to our data collection form, Air France offered the
most economical airfare to Paris, France in the coach section
for $543.15.  Continental offered the most expensive coach fare
at $639.10. The average airfare in the coach section was
$567.79.  Continental might be the most expensive in coach, but
Continental offers the cheapest airfare in first class.  The
average cost for a ticket to fly round trip from New York, NY,
to Paris, France in first class would be $5640.10.  Clearly,
this is $5072.31 difference between coach airfare and first
class.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

In summary, we found out that Air France offers the most
economical coach airfare from New York, New York, to Paris,
France.  For first class, however, we would fly Continental
because they offer the most economical airfare.  We therefore
reject our hypothesis which stated that Delta would be the
lowest airfares in both first class and coach.

V.  APPLICATION:

We can apply our findings to the world outside of the classroom
by telling our parents to purchase tickets from Air France the
next time they fly to Paris because they have the most
economical price.



TITLE:  The Cost Of A CD Player

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Tyler Cesar and Kyle Driscoll
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

We want to do a survey research project on finding the cheapest
retail price for a CD player.  Our hypothesis states that Sony
will be the highest priced CD player.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we stated our purpose or research idea.  Then we
reviewed our literature, developed our hypothesis, and wrote
our methodology.  Third, we gathered our materials.  Then we
made an observation and data collection form.  Fifth, we began
our data collection by calling local stores about the prices on
a Sony, RCA, and Magnavox CD player.  Finally, we summarized
our data, made a conclusion, and applied our findings to the
real world outside the classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

Our data showed that Campos had the cheapest average price at
$112.80.  K mart had the most expensive average price at
$144.11.  For the average cost of a brand name CD player,
Magnavox was the cheapest at $119.92 and Sony was the most
expensive at $132.89.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

Sony was the most expensive CD player.  It cost $132.89.
Magnavox was the cheapest CD player.  It cost $119.92.  Also,
Campos had the cheapest price for CD players overall.
Therefore, we accepted our hypothesis which stated that Sony
will be the highest priced CD player.

V.  APPLICATION:

If we want to buy a CD player, we would know to go to Campos
and buy a Magnavox.



TITLE:  Electricity Saving

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:  Adriana Castro, Ingrid Neurohr, Natalia
                      Garcia
SCHOOL:  Lincoln School
           San Jose, Costa Rica
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Dana Saito


I.  Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:

We want to find out how many wore people use electric
appliances to do things instead of doing them by hand.  Our
hypothesis states that most people would rather use electrical
appliances than do things by hand.

II.  Methodology:

We will get our data by doing a survey.  We will pick out two
students from each 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade class to give
them our questionnaires.  In order to do this project, we will
need the following materials:

- pencil (to write down data)
- paper with our charts (to record data)
- cardboard (to do a poster)
- information from I.C.E. (to know what things waste
  electricity}

III.  Analysis of Data:

51.5% of the people interviewed use their washing machines
everyday.  Only 6.7% of the people use the energy-saving
appliances.  People do, however, do things that conserve
energy.  66.7% do their homework in the afternoon when they can
use the light of the sun, instead of an electric light.  70% of
the people have an organized refrigerator which conserves
energy according to the I.C.E.

IV.  Summary and Conclusion:

We found out that many people think that it is better to do
things with electrical appliances instead of doing things by
hand.  They also do things that help save electricity.  We
accept our hypotheses because more people would rather do
things using electrical appliances than doing them by hand.

V.  Application:

We can show the people our results so that they are aware of
what they are doing and the effects this will bring.



TITLE:  Where To Find The Cheapest Movie Rental For One And Two
        Nights

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:   Colby Omner and Michael Pantaleo
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

Consumerism represents the movement to educate consumers about
the purchases they make.  We would like to do a consumerism
research project on finding the cheapest store to rent a new
release movie for one and two nights.  Our first hypothesis
states that the video stores in Mandeville will have the lowest
price to rent a new release for one night.  Our second
hypothesis states that Mandeville will also have the lowest
price for a two night movie rental.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we came up with our research topic and wrote our
statement of purpose. Then we wrote our review of literature.
Next, we developed our hypothesis and methodology.  Then we
listed our materials that we would need to conduct our survey
and designed our data collection form.  Next, we compiled a
list of the movie rental stores in Covington, Slidell, and
Mandeville and began our survey by calling each store and
asking them about their prices for new releases for one night
and for two nights.  After that we analyzed our data with
charts and simple statistics and wrote our summary and
conclusion where we rejected or accepted our hypothesis.
Finally, we applied our findings to the world outside the
classroom.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

The average price to rent a movie in Slidell for one night is
$2.94.  The average price to rent a one night movie in
Covington, Madisonville, and Lacombe is $2.92.  The average
price to rent a movie for one night in Mandeville is $2.72.  To
rent a movie for two nights in Slidell, the average price is
$5.94.  In Mandeville, the average price for two nights is
$4.66.  And the average price to rent a two night movie in
Covington, Madisonville, and Lacombe is $4.30.  For a one night
rental, the cheapest price is $2.72 in Mandeville.  For a two
night rental, the cheapest price is $4.30 in Covington,
Madisonville, and Lacombe.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

Our data indicates that Mandeville has the cheapest price for a
one night movie rental, but the highest price for a two night
rental.  Covington, Madisonville, and Lacombe had the cheapest
price for a two night rental.  Therefore, we accept our first
hypothesis which stated that Mandeville would have the cheapest
price to rent a movie for one night.  We rejected our second
hypothesis which stated that Mandeville will have the cheapest
price for a two night movie rental.

V.  APPLICATION:

>From now on, if we want to rent a movie for one night, we will
rent it at a store in Mandeville.  If we want to rent a movie
for two nights, we will go to a store in Covington,
Madisonville, or Lacombe.



TITLE:   Getting Your Money's Worth

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Meredith Railey and Amy Askegren
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  John I. Swang, Ph.D.


I.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

According to Webster's Unabridged, Twentieth Century
Dictionary, consumerism is the practice and politics of
protecting the consumer by making him aware of defective and
unsafe products, misleading business practices, etc., or it is
the consumption of goods and services.  We would like to do a
survey research project on finding out which store sells the
cheapest Guess clothing and has the best variety.  Our
hypothesis states that Sears will have the cheapest Guess
jeans, tee-shirts, and sweatshirts.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, we wrote our statement of purpose and did our review of
literature on the clothing industry.  Then we developed our
hypothesis.  Third, we developed a methodology to test our
hypothesis.  Fourth, we compiled a list of materials needed to
test our hypothesis.  Next, we made our observation and data
collection form.  Then we began collecting our data by going to
the mall and seeing which department store (Dillard's,
Mervin's, Sears, JC Penney, and Macy's) had the cheapest Guess
sweatshirts, jeans, and tee-shirts.  Then we analyzed our data
and made graphs and charts.  Finally, we wrote our summary and
conclusion, where we accepted or rejected our hypothesis, and
applied our findings to everyday life.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

Our data demonstrates that Dillard's had Guess jeans for
$32.67, Guess T-shirts for $23.34, and Guess sweatshirts for
$28.00.  All of these prices and the following prices are
averages.  Maison Blanche had no Guess sweatshirts, but had
Guess jeans for $35.00 and Guess T-shirts for $19.65.  JC
Pennys, Sears, Macy's, and Mervan's did not sell the Guess
brand.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

Overall, only two stores had Guess clothing, Dillard's and
Maison Blanche.  Dillard's had the cheapest Guess jeans and
Maison Blanche had the cheapest Guess T-shirts.  Dillard's was
the only store with Guess sweatshirts.  Therefore, we reject
our hypothesis that stated that Sears would have the cheapest
Guess clothes.

V.  APPLICATION:

If we were to buy an outfit consisting of Guess jeans, a Guess
sweatshirt, and a Guess T-shirt, we would recommend Dillard's
because it has the cheapest Guess jeans.  We would also
recommend Maison Blanche because it had the cheapest T-shirts.
If you want to buy just a Guess sweatshirt, then the only place
to go would be Dillard's.



TITLE:  Namebrand And Generic Drugs

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Thomas J. Bumgardner
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 what the difference in cost is between name
brand and generic drugs.  I would like to compare the prices of
Tylenol and a storebrand of acetaminophen, and Bayer to a
storebrand of aspirin.  My hypothesis states that the retail
price of generic drugs are up to 40% less than namebrand drugs.

II.  METHODOLOGY:

First, I stated my purpose.  Next, I gathered information on
generic and namebrand drugs from The American Medical
Association Encyclopedia and Drug Reference Guide by the
editors of Consumers Guide.  I used this information to
complete my review of literature.  Then I  developed my
hypothesis that the retail price of generic drugs is less than
namebrand drugs.  To test my hypothesis, I visited a local
pharmacy to record the prices of both generic and namebrand
drugs.  Next, I did my analysis of data with simple statistics,
charts, and graphs.  Then I wrote my summary and my
conclusions.

III.  ANALYSIS OF DATA:

My data indicates that generic drugs cost an average of $3.18
less than namebrand drugs.  The largest difference occurred
with aspirin.

IV.  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

In my research on namebrand and generic drugs, my findings
demonstrated that generic drugs are cheaper.  My research
showed that when buying namebrand drugs you were paying for the
larger companies name.  In conclusion, I accept my hypothesis
that generic drugs can be obtained at most pharmacies at a much
lower price.

V.  APPLICATION:

I can apply this information to the world outside of the
classroom by sharing my findings on namebrand and generic
drugs.  I will be helping to educate the public by doing this.
More people will ask questions about the medications that their
doctors prescribe, especially people on a set income that have
to live on a tight budget.

© 1995 John I. Swang, Ph.D.