Statistics Problems with Simple Numbers

This article concerns the construction of simple numerical illustrations of statistical techniques for use in introductory classes. Minimizing the amount of calculation facilitates checking, promotes reliability, is quicker, and reinforces the confidence of the student. Methods are described for generating (a) samples of size 3 upwards with integer-valued means and standard deviations, and (b) simple linear regressions with integer-valued intercepts and integer-valued or simple fractional slopes. Extensions to give exact pooled standard deviations in the two-sample problem and simple exact fractional correlation coefficients are also indicated. Further statistical procedures amenable to the same general approach are listed.