Rating+Consumer+Products

We live in a society where we have a choice of purchasing countless consumer products. Just consider how many types of sneakers are for sale or how many brands of potato chips we can choose from. To help us select the best product from among many, we can turn to articles and books that rate various products. Most rating systems rely on statistics, which are built on mathematics. Why do you buy certain products? Most likely, you tried on various styles, you were impressed with the sneaker through its advertising, or you heard about it from a friend. You might have seen somebody wearing the sneaker and decided that you liked it. **__Situation / Problem:__** You (and your partner) are to select a product, and compare at least three brands of it. You are to compare its features and price, and try to determine which is the best choice for your hard-earned dollars. After you have reached your conclusions, design charts, tables, or illustrations to support your findings, and present your data to the class.
 * __Overview:__**

**__Possible Strategies:__**
 * 1) Consult examples of articles that compare or rate products. The magazine //Consumer Reports// is a good source. You may also consult online versions.
 * 2) Brainstorm with your partner which types of products you might like to research. Click here for some ideas.
 * 3) Divide the tasks for the project. You will work together for much of this, you may find it helpful if one of your interviews people for research, while the other compares product specifications.

**__Special Considerations:__**
 * After selecting your product, decide which features or qualities you will compare. Write these categories down and then compare your products.
 * Consider developing a rating scale. You make use something like 1 - Superior, 2 - Fair, 3 - Poor. Compare each brand according to your scale.
 * Along with their physical features, products may also be compared according to their specifications or ingredients.
 * You may find it helpful to ask friends and acquaintances about specific products. To ensure accurate results, always ask the same questions in the same manner. Write down the questions you intend to ask ahead of time. Focus your questions on features or qualities.
 * Maintain an accurate list of your sources. Use MLA documentation format.
 * After obtaining your data, analyze your information, and make decisions comparing qualities to price.
 * Use the computer to create charts, tables, and/or graphs to highlight your results. Arrange the design so that it provides data clearly. List your products by brand name and your categories for comparison.
 * __To Be Submitted:__**
 * 1) Research findings
 * Compare the product's features and prices
 * Determine which is the best choice to buy
 * 1) Polling questions & results
 * How did you poll your audience?
 * What results did you get?
 * 1) Chart, table, or graphs displaying findings
 * 2) Presentation