See You at the Posterior Line: Learning Bayesian Modeling Through a Car Racing Game

Federica Zoe Ricci; Mine Dogucu

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arXiv · 2609.23166

See You at the Posterior Line: Learning Bayesian Modeling Through a Car Racing Game

Federica Zoe Ricci·Mine Dogucu

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Abstract

We present an interactive classroom activity designed to address a central challenge in teaching introductory Bayesian statistics: how to formalize subjective knowledge and available information into prior distributions and then update them with empirical data. Role-playing as data analysts for a racing team, students evaluate candidate tires by converting qualitative engineering reports into prior distributions, collecting primary data via a virtual racing game, and using a Beta-Binomial model to inform team strategy. This discovery-based exercise allows small groups to observe directly how different prior choices and sample data jointly shape posterior inference. Student feedback ($n=32$) highlights high enjoyment, engagement and improved conceptual clarity. Open-access materials to implement the activity are provided, alongside recommendations for adapting it to other teaching contexts.

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Federica Zoe Ricci, Mine Dogucu. 2026-09-19. See You at the Posterior Line: Learning Bayesian Modeling Through a Car Racing Game. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.23166

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