Evaluated the effectiveness of interactive computer demonstrations in teaching about statistical sampling distributions. 39 undergraduates used a Monte Carlo simulation of either standard errors (SEMDEMO) or F-distributions (FDEMO) and were subsequently tested on both concepts. In Study 1, only lower ability students using FDEMO showed improved attainment related to their specific experience. SEMDEMO was then simplified, following student feedback. Study 2, with 65 undergraduates, showed higher specific attainment related to interactive experience with both SEMDEMO and FDEMO, particularly in lower ability students. Reasons for improved performance may include increased practice and deeper processing of concepts. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1992 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)
The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education