It is certainly an attractive option for everyone to work on one stage of the project. It sounds fair. However, we recommend that the group work together at every stage of the project.

First, the best learning is achieved through discussion. Second, the data collected by a single individual may have bias due to the collector. If there are several of you collecting data independently or in pairs, you can compare data collected by different members to see whether they have the same trend.

Each one or pair should collect a whole random sample of the population. This is because that one would expect some differences between the data collected on dining hall preferences by (A) one student who went to the gym and by (B) another who went to the Lerner hall.

Teamwork requires good communications. All too often, one week before the due date of the final report, we hear from our students that they cannot find the one group member that has the data or they haven't been able to find a time for everyone to sit down and discuss the project. An agreement on a meeting time should be made when the group is formed. One former group of students found it was very helpful to meet briefly after every Monday lecture, even if it was just to discuss when to meet next.

We are certain that you are able find a efficient and collaborative way to work as a group. We want to ensure that you spend some time thinking and finding a way that works for your group.