This dissertation explored the effects of two different interventions on the learning of statistics. Each intervention corresponded to a different conception of statistical learning and used a particular type of computer-tool. One intervention used data analysis tools and focused on authentic situations of statistical activity. The other intervention used simulations and focused on formal aspects of probability. Data Analysis (data) and Probability (chance) are the constituent parts of statistical inference and the two lens from which is possible to present this topic. In this study, both perspectives were compared in their effectiveness to teach ANOVA, a central topic in inferential statistics. The results of this study showed that the intervention that used simulations improved students knowledge about probability, sampling and sample size effects. Protocol analysis of students answers indicated that the gains in probability knowledge did not alter the way students explained group differences. The intervention that used data analysis tools showed no significant effects on students data analysis knowledge. Studying the evolution of a sub sample of students suggested that data analysis knowledge develops over periods of time longer than those of this study. Additionally, protocol analysis of students solving statistical questions showed that students use simple decision rules to evaluate sampling and data analysis problems. These rules allowed students coordinating simple descriptions of the problems elements with conclusions about significance and sampling effects.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PITT/oai:PITTETD:etd-04012008-173734 |
| Date | 27 June 2008 |
| Creators | Corredor, Javier Alejandro |
| Contributors | Christian Schunn, Gaea Leinhardt, Jorge Larreamendy-Joerns, Alan Lesgold |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh |
| Source Sets | University of Pittsburgh |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04012008-173734/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Pittsburgh or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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