Building the meaning of statistical association through data analysis activities

In this research forum we present results from a research project concerning students' understanding of statitical association and its evolution after teaching experiments using computers. This research has been carried out at the Universities of Granada and Jaen over the years 1991-98. We have identified different incorrect preconceptions and strategies to assess statistical association and performed two different teaching experiments designed to overcome these difficulties and to identify the critical points, which arise in attempting to do this.