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The order does not matter because each has an equal probability of occurring. Of course, you could have specified “Tails” if the output is 0 and “Heads”, otherwise. Otherwise, if the output is anything other than 0 (which in this case is always going to be 1), then the output will be “Tails”. Why the IF function? Using the IF function, we can specify that if the RANDBET(0,1) function returns a 0, then return a “Heads”. To do this, we’ll use the IF function (see the Resources section below for links to video tutorials).
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Step 2 is to create a formula that will return the words “Heads” or “Tails” based on the randomized output generated from the formula created in Step 1. If using the RANDBET function, we will set up the formula as RANDBET(0,1) so that the output that is randomly generated is either 0 or 1. The output of RAND() will always be a number between 0 and 1 (e.g.
#COIN FLIP GENERATOR GOOGLE HOW TO#
Let’s dig a bit deeper now! How to create a random coin toss
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This last step can be accomplished using the quintessential logical function – the IF function. Next, we will want the spreadsheet to return the words: “Heads” and “Tails” rather than deliver a number. Importantly, we need to ensure that two types of outcomes occur with equal probability (that is, we want the probability of flipping a “Heads” to be 0.5 and the probability of flipping a “Tails” to also be 0.5). First, we need a way for the spreadsheet to generate a random outcome. Let’s break down this problem into two steps. While the Freakonomics Experiments team ensured coin toss randomness by using the Swiss-based Fourmilab’s True Random Number Generator (more info here), we can create our own coin toss using spreadsheets! Really? You bet! Intriguing, right?Īn essential feature of this experiment is generating a truly random toin coss. What if life’s major choices are to be decided by the flip of a coin? Interestingly, the Freakonomics Experiments project – a collaboration between Freakonomics and the University of Chicago – is enlisting volunteers to do just that to study human behavior of decision-making.
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