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Sample, random and variation: the vocabulary of statistical literacy
Citation
Watson, JM and Kelly, BA, Sample, random and variation: the vocabulary of statistical literacy, International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education , 6, (4) pp. 741-767. ISSN 1571-0068 (2008) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
DOI: doi:10.1007/s10763-007-9083-x
Abstract
This paper considers the development of school students’ ability to define three terms that are fundamental to statistical literacy: sample, random, and variation. A total of 738 students in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9 were asked in a survey to define and give an example for the word "sample." Of these, 379 students in grades 7 and 9 were also asked about the words "random" and "variation." Responses were used to describe developmental levels overall and to document differences across grades on the understanding of these terms. Changes in performance were also monitored after lessons on chance and data, emphasizing variation for 335 students. After 2 years, 132 of these students and a further 209 students who were surveyed originally but did not take part in specialized lessons, were surveyed again. The difference after 2 years between the performance of students who experienced the specialized lessons and those who did not was considered, revealing no differences in performance longitudinally. For students in grades 7 and 9, the association of performance on the three terms was explored. Implications for mathematics and literacy educators are discussed.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | random - sample - school students - statistical literacy - variation - vocabulary |
Research Division: | Education |
Research Group: | Curriculum and pedagogy |
Research Field: | Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy |
Objective Division: | Education and Training |
Objective Group: | Other education and training |
Objective Field: | Other education and training not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Watson, JM (Professor Jane Watson) |
UTAS Author: | Kelly, BA (Mr Ben Kelly) |
ID Code: | 49360 |
Year Published: | 2008 |
Deposited By: | Education |
Deposited On: | 2007-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2014-11-25 |
Downloads: | 1 View Download Statistics |
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