Randomly generated digits are commonly used for a variety of different applications. Pollsters often select telephone numbers by using random digits so that unlisted numbers can be included. Simulations often require the random generation of digits.

1. Listed below are data sets that were generated by using the random features of different technologies. (Statdisk and Minitab are software packages, and the TI-83/84 Plus is a popular calculator.) Use the appropriate nonparametric method from this chapter to determine whether the randomly generated digits listed below come from populations with the same median. Identify the test used and provide the results and conclusion.

2. Use Excel to generate your own data, and then proceed to test for randomness. Click the empty cell A1. Generate the data by clicking on the Insert Function fx button, then select Math & Trig, and then select RANDBETWEEN. Click OK. In the dialog box, enter 0 for the “bottom” value and enter 9 for the “top” value, and then click OK. Cell A1 will contain a randomly selected digit. Now use the mouse>touchpad to click the lower right corner of cell A1; hold the mouse button down to click and drag downward until reaching cell A100, and then release the mouse button. Column A now contains 100 randomly selected digits. Test for randomness. Describe the method used and the conclusion reached.