What Contributes to College Students' Success in Introductory Statistics? (Poster 22)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: Section 1C Mathematics Poster Session

Abstract

Statistical literacy is often considered an important goal for college students because it helps them thrive in today’s world full of information and data. We analyzed data from over 1100 college students in an online introductory statistics course and looked at what factors lead to students’ success in this crucial gateway course. We found that background variables (such as major, gender, etc.) were not strong predictors of final exam scores. However, success on core foundational topics contributed significantly to success on the final exam. This suggests that, at least in this course, student understanding of foundational topics cannot be taken for granted and appears to be crucial to make sense of more complex statistical concepts.

Authors

• Karle Flanagan, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author

• Deb Ghosh
  Non-Presenting Author

• Genevieve Henricks, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author

• Michelle Perry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  Non-Presenting Author