Sample, Random and Variation: The Vocabulary of Statistical Literacy |
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Authors: | Jane M Watson and Ben A Kelly |
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Institution: | (1) University of Tasmania, Private Bag 66, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia |
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Abstract: | This paper considers the development of school students’ ability to define three terms that are fundamental to statistical
literacy: sample, random, and variation. A total of 738 students in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9 were asked in a survey to define
and give an example for the word “sample.” Of these, 379 students in grades 7 and 9 were also asked about the words “random”
and “variation.” Responses were used to describe developmental levels overall and to document differences across grades on
the understanding of these terms. Changes in performance were also monitored after lessons on chance and data, emphasizing
variation for 335 students. After 2 years, 132 of these students and a further 209 students who were surveyed originally but
did not take part in specialized lessons, were surveyed again. The difference after 2 years between the performance of students
who experienced the specialized lessons and those who did not was considered, revealing no differences in performance longitudinally.
For students in grades 7 and 9, the association of performance on the three terms was explored. Implications for mathematics
and literacy educators are discussed. |
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Keywords: | random sample school students statistical literacy variation vocabulary |
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