I've noticed a difference between accessing a sorted set randomly versus accessing a randomized set randomly. I've not checked accessing a sorted set randomly versus accessing a randomized set sequentially. NB: I always re-seed the random number generator with unique values (i.e. I dont repeat the seed value) before each random call. A sound math/statistical explanation would be 8~) --- On Fri, 1/22/10, Rad! <conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote: From: Rad! <conradakunga@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] random sampling To: "Skunkworks Forum" <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 1:23 PM I actually doubt there is any difference in any of the three scenarios. A - [1,2,3,4,5] B - [5,1,4,2,3] Given one pass to access each set, accessing set A randomly for values should give you results just as random as accessing set B regardless if randomly or in sequence On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 2:15 PM, Nicholas Loki <lokimwenga@yahoo.com> wrote: Hi Wesley/ Rad, How about this:
Or, for that matter, a randomized set sequentially
You get a sequential set of random values.
sorted set randomly
You get a random value set with a high likelihood of some sortedness :-).
randomized set randomly?
Everything is random. Caveat: No scientific basis to my observations :-). KR, Loki "Excellent people exceed expectations". -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Server donations spreadsheet http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AopdHkqSqKL-dHlQVTMxU1VBdU1BSWJxdy1f... ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general