The National Student Research Center

E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism

Volume 4, Number 2, March, 1996

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. Lowest Prices For Fruit
2. The "Fizz" in Pop
3. Which Store Has the Cheapest Baby Items?
4. Prices of Snack Food Items at Different Stores
5. Where Do Drinks Cost The Least?
6. The Cost of Snack Foods

TITLE:  Lowest Prices For Fruit

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


I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I would like to do a scientific research project on
consumerism.  I want to find out which local grocery store has
the lowest prices for different fruit.  My hypothesis states
that the total cost for specific fruits in my survey will be
cheaper at A & P than at Winn Dixie and Delchamps.

II. METHODOLOGY:

First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed my hypothesis.  Then I made a list of the six fruit
items that I'm interested in comparing: 1 LB Granny Smith
Apples, 1 LB Dole Bananas, 1 Grapefruit, 1 LB Green Grapes, 1
LB Purple Grapes, and 1 LB Strawberry Apples.  I went to Winn
Dixie, Delchamps, and A & P.  I wrote down the shelf price for
each item.  I then found the total price for the items at each
store.  I analyzed the data, wrote a summary and conclusion,
and applied my findings to the world outside the classroom.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:

At A & P, Granny Smith Apples were $.79 @ LB, Dole Bananas were
$.49 @ LB, Purple Grapes were $.49 @ LB, Orange Grapefruits
were $.69 each, Green Grapes were $1.19 @ LB, Purple Grapes
were $1.39 @ LB, and Strawberry Apples were $.79 @ LB, for a
total of $5.35.  At Delchamps, Granny Smith Apples were $.98 @
LB, Dole Bananas were $.48 @ LB, Orange Grapefruits were $.79
each, Green Grapes were $1.28 @ LB, Purple Grapes were $1.28 @
LB, and Strawberry Apples were $.98 @ LB, for a total of $5.79.
At Winn Dixie, Granny Smith Apples were $.98 @ LB, Dole Bananas
were $.98 @ LB, Orange Grapefruits were $.69 each, Green Grapes
were $.78 @ LB, Purple Grapes were $.98 @ LB, and Strawberry
Apples were $.88 @ LB, for a total of $5.29.

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

The total price for the fruit at Winn Dixie was $5.29, at
Delchamps it was $5.79, and at A & P it was $5.34. Therefore I
reject my hypothesis which stated that the total cost for
specific fruits will be cheaper at A & P than at Winn Dixie and
Delchamps.  The fruits were cheaper at Winn Dixie.

V. APPLICATION:

I can tell people I know to shop at Winn Dixie for fruit
because it is cheaper than A & P and Delchamps.




TITLE:  The "Fizz" in Pop

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Tina Bertuccini
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Marino, M. Ed.


I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

I wanted to do a scientific research project on the amount of
carbonation contained in different types of sodas.  My
hypothesis states that Coke is the most carbonated soft drink
out of Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Coke.

II. METHODOLOGY

First I stated my purpose. Then I did a review of literature on
carbonation and developed my hypothesis.  I then gathered the
materials that I needed to do my experiment.  Next, one by one,
l placed balloons on top of each of the three 20-ounce bottles
of Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper.  I secured the balloons with
rubber bands.  I then placed my finger over the top of each
bottle making sure that soda did not enter the balloon.  I
shook each of the bottles vigorously three times and measured
the circumference of each balloon at its largest spot after 45
seconds.

This information was recorded on my data collection form.  I
repeated the procedure twice, using fresh balloons and bottles
of sodas each time.  I analyzed the data, wrote of summary and
conclusion, and applied my findings to my everyday life.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA

In trial 1, the balloon on the Coke had a circumference of 39
cm, in trial 2, a circumference of 36 cm, and in trial 3, a
circumference of 39.5 cm, for an average of 38 cm.

In trial 1, the balloon on the Pepsi had a circumference of 31
cm, in trial 2, a circumference of 33.5 cm and in trial 3, a
circumference of 35.5, for an average of 33 cm.

In trial 1, the balloon on the Dr. Pepper had a circumference
of 33 cm, in trial 2, a circumference of 37 cm, and in trial 3,
a circumference of 35.5, for an average of 35 cm.

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Coke came out with an average of 38 cm.  Dr. Pepper came out
with an average of 35 cm.  Pepsi came out with an average of 33
cm.  I accepted my hypothesis which stated that Coke is the
most carbonated soft drink out of Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Coke.

 V. APPLICATION

I would apply my finding to the world outside the classroom by
telling people that if they have a problem with carbonation,
they could drink Pepsi instead of Dr. Pepper and Coke because
Pepsi has less carbonation.



TITLE:  Which Store Has the Cheapest Baby Items?

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


I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I would like to do a research project on consumerism.  The
items I'm interested in are baby items.  I want to see which
local grocery store has the lowest prices.  My hypothesis
states that the total cost for specific baby items will be
cheaper at Winn Dixie than at A & P and Delchamps.

II. METHODOLOGY

First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed my hypothesis.  I made a list of the 6 baby items I
was interested in comparing.  The items I compared were SMA
Powder Formula (16 Oz.), Huggies Supreme Diapers (24), Heinz
Smooth Applesauce (4 0z.), Heinz Rice (8 Oz.), Kleenex-Huggies
Baby Wipes (80), and Johnson's Baby Powder (15 Oz.).

I went to Winn-Dixie, Delchamps, and A&P and wrote down the
shelf price for each item.  I then found the total price for
the items at each store.  Then I analyzed the data, wrote a
summary and conclusion, and applied it to the real world.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA

At A&P, the 16 oz. SMA powder formula was $7.48, the 24 diapers
Huggies Supreme were $6.99, the 4 oz. Gerber 2 smooth
applesauce was $.29, the 8 oz. Heinz 1 rice was $1.19, the 80
Kleenex Huggies baby wipes were $2.89, and the 15 oz. Johnson's
baby powder was $2.99.  The total cost was $21.83.

At Winn Dixie, the 16 oz. SMA powder formula was $7.48, the
diapers were $6.98, the applesauce was $.29, the rice was $.96,
the 80 baby wipes were $2.98, and the baby powder was $2.46.
The total cost was $20.19.

At Delchamps, the 16 oz. SMA powder formula was $7.48, the
diapers were $6.98, the applesauce was $.29, the rice was
$1.05. the 80 baby wipes were $2.97, and the baby powder was
$2.67.  The total cost was $21 44

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The total price for the baby items at A & P was $21.83, at
Delchamps was $21.44, and at Winn Dixie was $20.19. Therefore,
I accept my hypothesis which stated that the total cost for
specific baby items will be cheaper at Winn Dixie than at A & P
and Delchamps.

V. APPLICATION

Now that I know that Winn Dixie sells baby items for less
money, I will tell my family to shop there.



Title:  Prices of Snack Food Items at Different Stores

Student Researcher:  Kristi LeBlanc
School:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
Grade:  6
Teacher:  Mrs. Marino


I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

I would like to do a survey research project on consumerism.  I
want to see which local store has the cheapest price for snack
foods.  My hypothesis states that the total cost for specific
snack food items will be cheaper at Winn Dixie than at A&P and
Delchamps.

II. METHODOLOGY

First, I wrote my statement of purpose, reviewed the
literature, and developed my hypothesis.  Then I made a list of
six snack food items. Here are the six snack food items that
I'm going to compare at each grocery store: a 6 oz bag of Lays
Potato Chips, a 6 oz bag of Ruffles Potato Chips, 10 Fun-Size
Snickers bars, 9 oz Tostitos Salsa Dip, 6 bars of Snackwells
Strawberry Cereal Bars, and a 5 oz box of Original Flavor
Buggles.  Then I went to Winn Dixie, Delchamps, and A&P, and
got the shelf price for each.  Then I analyzed the data, wrote
my summary and conclusion, and applied my findings to the real
world.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA

At A&P, a 6 oz bag of Lays potato chips was $1.39, a 6 oz bag
of Ruffles potato chips was $1.39, a 10 pack of fun size
Snickers was $1.29, a 4 oz jar of Tostitos salsa dip was $2.40,
a box of 6 Snackwells strawberry cereal bars was $2.49, and a 5
oz box of original flavor Buggles was $1.37.  The total cost
for all six items was $10.33.  At Delchamps, Lays chips were
$1.25, Snickers bars were $1.99, Tostitos salsa dip was $2.09,
Snackwells cereal bars were $2.09, and Buggles were 89¢.  The
total cost for Delchamps was $9.56.  At Winn Dixie, Lays were
$1.39, Ruffles were $1.39, the Snickers bars were 98¢, Tostitos
salsa dip was $2.18, Snackwells cereal bars were $2.08, and
Buggles were $1.18.  The total cost at Winn Dixie was $9.20.

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The total cost for specific snack food items at A&P was $10.33,
at Winn Dixie it was $9.20, and at Delchamps it was $9.56.
Therefore, I accept my hypothesis which stated that the total
cost for specific snack food items will be cheaper at Winn
Dixie than at A&P and at Delchamps.

V. Application

I can apply my findings to the real world by telling my family
and friends that Winn Dixie is the cheapest store to buy snack
food items.



TITLE:  Where Do Drinks Cost The Least?

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  J.B. Pullias
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Mrs. Marino

I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

I want to do a research project on consumerism and see where
drinks cost less.  My hypothesis states that the total cost for
the specific drinks used in my survey will be less at Winn-
Dixie than at Delchamps, and A&P.

II. METHODOLOGY

First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed my hypothesis.  Then I made a list of the six drink
items that I was interested in comparing: a two liter bottle of
Pepsi, a six pack of Coke, a three liter bottle of Mountain
Dew, a 32 ounce bottle All-Sport, a 64 ounce bottle of
Gatorade, and a 32 ounce bottle of 10-K.  I went to Winn-Dixie,
Delchamps, and A&P and wrote down the shelf price for each
item.  I then found the total price for the items at each
store.  Then I analyzed the data, wrote a conclusion, and
applied my findings to the everyday life.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA

I went to three different grocery stores to compare the prices
of six items.  My findings are as follows:

At A&P, a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi was .99, a six pack of Coke
was $1.59, a 3 liter bottle of Mountain Dew was $1.59, a 32
ounce bottle of All-Sport was .99, a 64 ounce bottle of
Gatorade was $2.15 and a 32 ounce bottle of 10K was .99.  The
total price came out to $8.30.

At Winn Dixie, a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi was $1.10, a six pack
of Coke was $1.68, a 3 liter bottle of Mountain Dew was $1.59,
a 32 ounce bottle of All-Sport was .94, a 64 ounce bottle of
Gatorade was $1.50 and a 32 ounce bottle of 10K was .99.  The
total price came out to $7.80.

At Delchamps, a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi was .99, a six pack of
Coke was $1.79, a 3 liter bottle of Mountain Dew was $1.59, a
32 ounce bottle of All-Sport was .99, a 64 ounce bottle of
Gatorade was $2.39 and a 32 ounce bottle of 10K was .99.  The
total price came out to $8.74.

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The total price of the items at Delchamps was $8.74, the total
price of the items at Winn-Dixie was $7.80, and the total price
of all items at A&P was $8.30.  Therefore, I accept my
hypothesis that stated that the total cost for specific drinks
will be cheaper at Winn-Dixie than at Delchamps and A&P.

V. APPLICATION

I could apply my findings to the real world by shopping at
Winn-Dixie when I want to buy soft drinks.



TITLE:  The Cost of Snack Foods

STUDENT RESEARCHER:  Tina Bertuccini
SCHOOL:  Mandeville Middle School
         Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE:  6
TEACHER:  Marino, M, Ed.


I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

I am going to do my survey research project on consumerism.  I
am going to find out which local grocery store has the lowest
prices for snack foods.  My hypothesis states that the total
cost of the specific snack foods in my survey will be cheaper
at A&P than at Delchamps and Winn Dixie.

II. METHODOLOGY

First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature on
consumerism, and developed my hypothesis. Then I made a list of
the six snack food items that I wanted to compare. They are
Rold Gold - Mini Pretzels (10 oz.), Reduced Fat Chips Ahoy -
Chocolate Chip Cookies (1 Ib.), String Cheese (10 pack), Fruit
by the Foot (6 pack), Pringles (single can), and Little Debbie
Star Crunch (12 pack).

I went to Winn Dixie, Delchamps, and A&P.  I wrote down the
shelf price for each item.  I then figured the total price of
the items at each store. I  analyzed the data, wrote a summary
and conclusion, and applied my findings to everyday life.

III. ANALYSIS OF DATA

At A&P, Rold Gold pretzels cost $1.59, Little Debbie Star
Crunch costs $1.29, Chips Ahoy cookies cost $2.50, Fruit by the
Foot costs $2.27, and Pringles cost $1.25, for a total of
$8.90.

At Winn Dixie, Rold Gold pretzels cost $1.43, Little Debbie
Star Crunch costs $0.98, Chips Ahoy cookies cost $2.50, Fruit
by the Foot costs $1.98, and Pringles cost $1.25, for a total
of $8.05.

At Delchamps, Rold Gold pretzels cost $1.43, Little Debbie Star
Crunch costs $0.98, Chips Ahoy cookies cost $2.89, Fruit by the
Foot costs $2.25, and Pringles cost $1.29, for a total of
$8.84.

IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The total for the snack food items at A&P was $8 90.  The total
for the snack food items at Delchamps was $8 84.  The total for
the snack food items at Winn Dixie was $8.05.  Therefore, I
reject my hypothesis that stated that the total cost for the
specific snack foods in my survey will be cheaper at A&P than
at Delchamps and Winn Dixie.

V. APPLICATION

I can apply my findings to everyday life by telling people to
buy the particular items used in this study at Winn Dixie
because it is cheaper.

© 1996 John I. Swang, Ph.D.