ERIC Number: EJ1034689
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1069-1898
EISSN: N/A
Investigating Student Understanding of Histograms
Kaplan, Jennifer J.; Gabrosek, John G.; Curtiss, Phyllis; Malone, Chris
Journal of Statistics Education, v22 n2 2014
Histograms are adept at revealing the distribution of data values, especially the shape of the distribution and any outlier values. They are included in introductory statistics texts, research methods texts, and in the popular press, yet students often have difficulty interpreting the information conveyed by a histogram. This research identifies and discusses four misconceptions prevalent in student understanding of histograms. In addition, it presents pre- and post-test results on an instrument designed to measure the extent to which the misconceptions persist after instruction. The results presented indicate not only that the misconceptions are commonly held by students prior to instruction, but also that they persist after instruction. Future directions for teaching and research are considered.
Descriptors: Statistical Distributions, Graphs, Undergraduate Students, Misconceptions, Pretests Posttests, Measures (Individuals), Mathematics Instruction, College Mathematics, Introductory Courses, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A