Concepts of Statistical Inference: A Randomization-Based Curriculum

本项目为统计学导论课程开发了一个完全不同的课程，强调统计调查的整个过程，从数据收集的设计到统计推断，贯穿整个课程。推理技术是基于数据收集中引入的随机性，特别是随机化和排列检验，而不是基于正态概率模型。目标是引导学生对统计推断的基本概念和统计学家通过收集、分析和从数据中得出结论来调查研究问题的过程有更深的理解。智力价值：该项目正在创建新的学习材料和教学策略，评估学习，评估创新，并对课程材料进行班级测试。与项目团队为数学密集型专业的统计课程开发的材料一样，这些材料主要由指导学生发现和探索统计思想的学习活动组成，但也为独立文本提供足够的阐述，以供学生参考和强化。来自真正研究的真实数据激发了所有活动，这些活动广泛使用了技术。评估和评价是这个项目特别重要的方面。研究者从学生概念理解水平的角度系统地调查了这门新课程的有效性。可测试的假设包括，与标准参数方法相比，基于随机化的课程可以更深入地理解p值，以及更好地理解整个统计过程。研究人员还研究了信心概念的两种不同的概念，以确定学生是否对其中一种有更深的理解。调查人员在该机构的课堂研究项目中采用定量和定性相结合的方法。更广泛的影响：该项目为全国各地的统计导论讲师提供材料，用于教授一种替代课程，从而加深对统计在科学调查中的作用的概念理解和更好的认识。所开发的评估工具对统计教育研究者产生了广泛的影响，所进行的研究为统计教师提供了教学有效性的经验证据。课程开发与教育研究相结合，既符合统计学教育改革的协作精神，也符合团队在统计学、课程开发、教与学研究方面的综合训练与经验。

Mathematical Sciences (21)This project is developing a fundamentally different curriculum for the introductory statistics course that emphasizes the entire process of statistical investigations, from design of data collection through statistical inference, throughout the course. The inference techniques are based on randomness introduced in data collection, specifically randomization and permutation tests, rather than on normal-based probability models. The goal is to lead students to develop a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts of statistical inference and of the process through which statisticians investigate research questions by collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.Intellectual Merit: This project is creating new learning materials and teaching strategies, assessing learning, evaluating innovations, and class-testing curricular materials. As with materials developed by the project team for statistics courses for mathematically intensive majors, these materials consist primarily of learning activities that guide students to discover and explore statistical ideas, but also provide sufficient exposition for a stand-alone text to provide students with reference and reinforcement. Real data from genuine studies motivates all of the activities, which make extensive use of technology. Assessment and evaluation are especially important aspects of this project. The investigators systematically investigate the effectiveness of this new curriculum in terms of students' levels of conceptual understanding. The testable hypotheses include that a randomization-based curriculum leads to a deeper understanding of p-values, as well as a better understanding of the entire statistical process, than a standard parametric approach. The investigators are also studying two alternative conceptualizations of the concept of confidence to determine whether students develop deeper understandings with one or the other. The investigators are employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in a program of classroom-based research at the institution.Broader Impact: The project provides introductory statistics instructors throughout the country materials for teaching an alternative curriculum that can lead to deeper conceptual understanding and better appreciation for the role of statistics in scientific investigations. The assessment instruments developed are having a broad impact for statistics education researchers, and the research conducted is providing statistics teachers with empirical evidence of teaching effectiveness. The integration of curricular development and educational research is consistent with the spirit of collaboration that has marked statistics education reform and also with the combined training and experiences in statistics, curricular development, and research on teaching and learning of the team.