Re: [Phys-l] Monty Hall problem

[marx@phy.ilstu.edu]

John,

You are quite right with regard to the unspecified nature of the Monty Hall problem, in general.  
However, the wording of the Ask Marilyn question is quite specific in that the behavior of the host is to 
open the door that has a goat behind it AND make the offer to switch.



On 5 Jan 2011 at 12:25, John Denker wrote:

> On 01/05/2011 11:37 AM, chuck britton wrote:
> > Interesting development - so,
> >
> >    In what way is this OTHER statement of the problem ill-posed,
> > ambiguous, underspecified, etc.
> >    The contestants optimal strategy (still) seems clear to me.
>
> I (still) think it would be good for people to look at
> the table about 2/3rds of the way down on this page:
>   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_problem
> Search for the word "unspecified".
>
> The sheer length of the table should convince you that
> "THE" Monty Hall problem is underspecified.
>
> I think you will find that depending details that were not 
> specified in the question -- or in her original answer -- 
> you will find that her strategy is in *some* cases the
> worst possible strategy, i.e. guaranteed to _always_ lose.
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1191 / Virus Database: 1435/3359 - Release Date: 01/04/11