In this discussion, you will choose a particular sport and investigate how teams are ranked. You will describe the methods used to rank teams, give some typical results, and discuss the fairness of the method. Understanding this concept will help you understand the theory of voting in this workshop.

Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:

· Communicate quantitative problems and their solutions clearly and correctly in written or oral form.

· Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate quantitative information in everyday life.

· Formulate a plan based on the mathematical concepts that apply to a problem.

· Analyze the mathematical relationships and patterns that confront the modern world.

· Recognize connections between mathematics and voting theory.

· Resources

Voting Theory:

· Watch: Introduction to Voting Theory and Preference Tables

· Watch: Voting Theory: Fairness Criterion

· Watch: Voting Theory: Plurality Method and Condorcet Criterion

· Watch: Voting Theory: Borda count

· Watch: Voting Theory: Instant Runoff Voting

· Read: Examples of Voting Methods (Zalta)

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. In the 5.2 Discussion forum respond to the following:

a. Most men’s and women’s major college and professional sports have regular polls while the sport is in season. Choose a particular sport and investigate how teams are ranked.

b. Describe the methods used to rank teams in your chosen sport. (college basketball)

c. Discuss how this method is similar to or different from one of the voting methods. (plurality, pairwise comparison, instant run-off, Borda count, etc.)

d. Discuss the fairness of the method.

e. Post the link to the online resources you used.

3. Your initial posting needs to thoroughly answer the discussion question, using critical thinking and thoughtful reasoning.