This would require some willing subjects. Randomly assign subjects to treatment and control. Treatment subjects get one cup of coffee and control subjects get one cup of decaf. Then have the subjects shoot 10 free throws and count the number they get. This would require a team of at least two people to achieve a double blind experiment.
One could also perform a test of mental ability, such as memorization of nonsense syllables are strings of numbers. You may need some assistance in selecting an appropriate response to be measured.
Alternative experimental experimental design is to have subjects take both coffee and decaf on different days, and do a matched pair analysis. Be sure to randomize which is taken first. This requires fewer subjects but more work per subject.
Return to STAT 280 Final Projects Page.
Send problems or suggestions to dcox@stat.rice.edu