Microwave Popcorn: Which Brand Returns the Highest Yield?

...

each sample prior to cooking will account for any inconsistencies in the production process. By subtracting the weight of the refuse after cooking removes any weight not represented by popped kernels.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this experiment is that Act II will have the highest yield by net weight in popped kernels. This is based on review of each manufacturer’s websites. Only Act II made the claim of “The Best Value in Popcorn” (2017).

Process of Data Collection

Data Table: Measurements and Results.

Popcorn Brand Pre-cook Weight Un-Popped Kernel Weight Popped Kernel Weight % of Precook Weight Refuse Weight

Bag 1 Bag 2 Bag 3 Avg. Bag 1 Bag 2 Bag 3 Avg. Bag 1 Bag 2 Bag 3 Avg. Bag 1 Bag 2 Bag 3 Avg.

Orville Redenbacher 3.30 3.40 3.30 3.33 0.40 0.50 0.40 0.43 2.10 2.00 2.00 2.03 75.31% 0.60 0.70 0.60 0.63

Act II 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 2.00 1.90 1.90 1.93 76.32% 0.50 0.60 0.60 0.57

Pop Secret 3.60 3.70 3.60 3.63 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 82.42% 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60

Pop Weaver 2.80 2.70 2.80 2.77 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.47 1.50 1.60 1.60 1.57 69.12% 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Appropriate Methods

Following the manufacturer’s directions for cooking time was a good way to prepare each sample, assuming each manufacturer had done its own research so as to provide the consumer with the best chance of success with their product. That the Pop Secret brand had the highest starting weight, one would expect a higher finished weight. But as a percentage of the starting weight the Pop Secret brand still had the highest yield.

Results

As the graph above shows, the Pop Secret brand had the highest net yield of popped kernels. 3 of the 4 brands tested had yields of 75% or higher. The lowest priced brand had the lowest net yield at 69.12%.

Conclusion

Confirmation of Hypothesis

The results shown above do not confirm the hypothesis. The highest yield came from the brand that had no claim to have the “Best Pop”. While Act II did make the claim to be the best value, it was not proven true in this experiment. Act II did have the most consistency in regards to pre-cooked weight and un-popped kernel weight; ultimately it was the popped kernel yield that placed it in second. While the experiment was focusing on net yield by weight, it is interesting to note that the lowest priced brand did have the highest yield as measured by cost per popped ounce. But that’s another experiment.

Experimental Design as Key Factor

An experiments design can have a dramatic effect on the experiment. Experiments that are well thought out to test an independent variable can contribute to the overall reliability of the results. The ability to measure any effect on the experiment is necessary in the design. If there are results that fall well outside the range of previous results, the tester needs to have the ability to confirm that the correct steps were taken. If factors that can dramatically alter the outcome are allowed to enter the experiment, then the experiment is not well designed.

Replication

The ability to replicate this experiment is quite possible. Obtaining several different brands of microwave popcorn, following the manufacturer’s directions, and maintaining consistency in the tools used for performance and measurement should allow for replication. Factors such as a change in altitude could have an effect on the results.

Evaluation of Validity

To determine the validity of this experiment it would need to be replicated. Replication of experiments either support or disprove finding in previous experiments. If an experiment is replicated and completely different results are found then the validity of the experiment comes into question. If the results are proven then a greater degree of confidence is given to the results.

References

Flavors that really pop. (2017). Retrieved April 27, 2017, from http://www.actii.com/

Boyd, S. (2007). The Jawbreakers of the Popcorn Industry. Retrieved April 27, 2017, from http://home.ptd.net/~sequoia1/Science/popcorn.htm

Dhungana, K. (2016, November 13). Which Brand of Popcorn pops the Most Kernels ? Retrieved April 27, 2017, from https://prezi.com/_jycsfr4gjy8/which-brand-of-popcorn-pops-the-most-kernels/

...