AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -By replacing player 1’s choice with scissors, then rock, the list of 9 outcomes becomes a complete list of 9 x 3 = 27 outcomes. A tree diagram is the best alternative to a list of outcomes (question 2b).

Detailed explanation-2: -Because scissors is the least thrown move, statistically, and because rock is the most thrown move, paper is the safest way to go.

Detailed explanation-3: -What are your odds of winning rock-paper-scissors? Simple-one in three. At least, that’s what chance predicts. But people do not play randomly-they follow hidden patterns that you can predict to win more games than you should, a study has revealed.

Detailed explanation-4: -A random outcome is one for which all possibilities have an equal chance of being selected. Students recognise that games such as rock paper scissors are not truly random, as people’s decisions are influenced by whether they win or lose the previous game.