Markov vs. Markov
Divorce by the Numbers
Author(s)
Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research
Bowling Green State University
cmrump@bgsu.edu
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.
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; divorceTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
DirectedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Statistics | Mathematics |
Date Posted
01/01/2001Teaching Notes
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