MontySimTools: A Toolset for Interactive and Automatic Simulation of the Monty Hall Problem

Description

MontySimTools is a modular teaching toolset for an interactive and automatic simulation of the Monty Hall Problem. The latter is a well-known example of a counterintuitive problem in probability theory. Carrying out the simulation generates data that can be presented and discussed in class to illustrate statistical concepts. MontySimTools includes three modules: Simulation, Transfer, and Presentation. MontySimTools – Simulation (decentralized files for participants/students): There are two main simulation modes: interactive and automatic. In the interactive mode, students are organized into pairs. Within each pair, one student assumes the role of the host, while the other takes on the role of the contestant. The game process and the associated simulation in this mode are deliberately not fully automated; rather, the students in the role of hosts and contestants should carry out essential steps themselves, interact with each other, and thus become an active part of the simulation process. The interactive simulation mode is available in three game variants. The settings allow for different assumptions regarding, among other things, the random or conscious nature of decisions. This allows a range of different game situations to be mapped - from a purely random game (based solely on Excel’s random number generator) on the one hand to a purely conscious game (based on possibly tactical decisions and expectations of the participants) on the other. The fully automatic simulation comes in two simulation variants and enables different speed and display options. Both the interactive and automatic simulation modes can be carried out in online and face-to-face teaching. The online variant can be conducted using any video conferencing software that enables group rooms. MontySimTools – Transfer ("invisible" transfer file in the background): The participants can send their results from the interactive simulation mode to the transfer module. This is an Access database, where all results are collected. MontySimTools – Presentation (instructor's file): This module is used to import the results from the transfer module and to analyze and present them. Current versions and software basis: MontySimTools 1.1 * MontySimTools – Simulation 6.1 [Microsoft Excel file with macros (VBA)] * MontySimTools – Transfer 1.0 [Microsoft Access database] * MontySimTools – Presentation 4.1 [Microsoft Excel file with macros (VBA)] Windows and Mac: MontySimTools is optimized for use with Windows. However, the simulation and presentation modules can also be used on a Mac. The transfer module is for use with Windows only. As an alternative, the results can be transferred via an LMS (e.g., Moodle). How to use: See the below section "Steps to reproduce". Declaration on the use of AI: See the declarations in the simulation and presentation modules. License: CC BY 4.0 (The license does not include the VBA Code).

Steps to reproduce

Since the above Excel files of this toolset are downloaded from the internet, macros are blocked by default for security reasons. If you want to use this toolset, please unblock the files (enable macros) once by following the steps below. Required before first use: Enable Macros Windows: 1. Save the file: Download the Excel file of this toolset and save it to your computer (do not open it directly in the browser). 2. Open Properties: Right-click the downloaded file and select Properties (Eigenschaften). 3. Unblock the file (enable macros): At the bottom of the General tab (Allgemein), look for the Security section (Sicherheit) and check the box next to Unblock (Zulassen oder Entsperren). 4. Confirm: Click Apply (Übernehmen) and then OK. The next time you open the file, you can enable the content via the yellow bar at the top of the screen; the tool will then be fully operational. Mac: Go to Excel -> Preferences (Einstellungen) -> Security & Privacy (Sicherheit) and allow macros. IMPORTANT NOTE: As a general rule, only enable macros if you are absolutely certain that you can trust the source. Further information: Windows: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/security/internet-macros-blocked https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/security/internet-macros-blocked#guidance-on-allowing-vba-macros-to-run-in-files-you-trust Mac: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/mac/set-preference-macro-security-office-for-mac --------------------------------------------------- The author has created this toolset (MontySimTools) to the best of his knowledge and in the hope that it will be both didactically useful and enjoyable. However, this toolset is provided "as is" without any warranty or liability. The author of this toolset is not liable for any damage or data loss resulting from the use of this toolset. Use is at your own risk.

Institutions

• Hochschule fur angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm

  Bayern, Neu-Ulm

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