A Framework for the Development of Measurement Instruments for Evaluating the Introductory Statistics Course

This paper proposes a framework for the development of instruments to measure content learning and problem-solving skills for the introductory statistics course. This framework is based upon a model of the problem-solving process central to statistical reasoning. The framework defines and interrelates six measurement tasks: (1) subjective reports; (2) reports concerning truth, falsity, or equivalence; (3) supply the appropriate missing information in a message; (4) answer a question based upon a specific message; (5) reproduce a message; and (6) carry out a procedure.