A key element in developing ideas associated with statistical inference involves developing concepts of sampling. The objective of this research was to understand the characteristics of students' constructions of the concept of sample. Sixty-two students in Grades 3, 6, and 9 were interviewed using open-ended questions related to sampling; written responses to a question-naire were also analyzed. Responses were characterized in relation to the content, structure, and objectives of statistical literacy. Six categories of construction were identified and described in relation to the sophistication of developing concepts of sampling. These categories illustrate helpful and unhelpful foundations for an appropriate understanding of representativeness and hence will help curriculum developers and teachers plan interventions.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Education
Research Group:	Curriculum and Pedagogy
Research Field:	Mathematics and Numeracy Curriculum and Pedagogy
Objective Division:	Education and Training
Objective Group:	Education and Training Systems
Objective Field:	Education and Training Systems not elsewhere classified
Author:	Watson, JM (Professor Jane Watson)
Author:	Moritz, JB (Mr Jonathan Moritz)
ID Code:	19127
Year Published:	2000
Web of Science® Times Cited:	36
Deposited By:	Early Childhood and Primary Education
Deposited On:	2000-08-01
Last Modified:	2001-06-18
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