Markov vs. Markov

By Christopher Rump

Abstract

In this directed case study, students build a Markov chain probability model of marriage and divorce using statistics - the chance of divorcing in a given year and the chance of divorcing eventually - taken from an article on the divorce rates. Developed for an upper-level undergraduate course to introduce probabilistic models in operations research, this case it may also be appropriate for elementary courses in finite mathematics or statistics.

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Date Posted

01/29/2001

Overview

Objectives

Look at statistics with a critical eye and a questioning mind.
Build and analyze a model rather than simply follow an algorithmic recipe.

Keywords

Markov chain; Markov model; stochastic process; probability; statistical data; divorce rates; marriage; divorce

Subject Headings

Mathematics

Statistics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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