Describes a student project which illustrates interrelationships among the topics of random sampling, relative frequency concept of probability, design of experiments, and computer generation of data and which involves determining the configurations of numbers and letters on license plates through a microcomputer program. The computer program is included. (MBR)
Describes the software quincunx as a graphics-based simulation of the binomial distribution designed as a teaching aid for statistics and probability instruction. The user can define the binomial probability, number of trials, and number of repetitions. The program graphically simulates the action of a mechanical quincunx and provides a summary of observed and expected data. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1991 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)
Describes a study that was designed to examine whether the computer attitudes of graduate students in a beginning statistics course differed based on their prior computer experience and the type of statistical analysis package used. Versions of statistical analysis packages using a mainframe and a microcomputer are compared. (14 references) (LRW)
Assessed skills in and attitudes toward statistics in 55 college students who used a computer for conducting analyses (Group 1), 41 students who did not use a computer (Group 2), and 24 students who had not taken statistics (Group 3). Inferior selection and interpretation (INT) skills were found in Group 3. Group 1 had significantly more favorable attitudes toward statistics than did Groups 2 and 3. Men had higher INT scores that women, and Ss with a higher grade point average (GPA) had higher INT scores than did those with a lower GPA. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1990 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)
Experiences in collecting and handling data are described. Activities dealing with measures of central tendency (including a computer program), measures of dispersion, an introduction to correlation, and use of graphs to display data are illustrated. (MNS)
Rezension von Borovcnik: Stochastik im Wechselspiel von Intuition und Mathematik, 1992. Kurze Inhaltsangabe der einzelnen Kapitel.
Maple, a computer algebra system, is employed in introductory statistics courses to promote conceptual learning by students of statistical principles without direct use of mathematics. Maple's symbolic computation, graphic display, and animation capabilities support an integrated set of procedures for active study of sampling distributions and concepts related to samples, populations, statistical decision making, error, and power. Students select parameter values for 1-line commands and examine the effects of alternatives on computer-generated graphical representations of distributions. The 20 procedures written to support active student exploration of basic statistical concepts are described, and examples of exercises to support their use are provided. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1996 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)
For traditionally trained statistics teachers, developing active learning material is difficult. We present representative active learning materials that we have used over the last several years. We also give examples of exam questions that we have used to test conceptual understanding gained through the class exercises.
Previous research has shown that a significant correlation exists between mathematical competency and computer science aptitude and achievement. These results were reported by Wileman, Stephens and Konvalina (1982). In Addi Tion, Stephens (1982) reported a significant correlation between mathematical competency and achievement in statistical methodology. This paper reports on research carried out to determine if this relationship is transitive. That is, since achievement in statistical methods is significantly correlated to mathematical competency, and mathematical competency is significantly correlated to computer science aptitude, is it true that achievement in statistical methodology is significantly correlated with computer science aptitude. (orig.)
Survey data were collected from 139 undergraduate and graduate faculty regarding their commercial software preferences for advanced analysis of variance (ANOVA) courses. Despite the availability of many new statistical software packages, the top 3 packages in popularity for ANOVA applications were SPSS, SSA, and BMDP, all of which appeared originally as mainframe software. The 4th package in terms of popularity was SYSTAT, originally developed for IBM-compatible microcomputers. Although ease of use was the most important criterion for choosing a software package, the most frequently cited reason for not using 1 of the 4 most popular programs was difficulty for students. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1991 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)