A Study of Faculty Views of Statistics and Student Preparation Beyond an Introductory Class

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to better understand the role of statistics in teaching and research by faculty from all disciplines and their perceptions of the statistical preparation of their students. This study reports the findings of a survey administered to faculty from seven colleges and universities regarding the use of statistics in teaching and research with undergraduate students. The introductory statistics course serves as a foundation for statistical methods that students learn and use in classes within numerous other disciplines. Information was collected from faculty on how students can be better prepared in the introductory statistics class to use statistics in other disciplines. Findings from this paper imply that statistics is being widely used in a variety of disciplines but also suggest that cooperative communication and transitional second courses in statistics be implemented. This paper also highlights the varied statistical techniques that faculty members teach in their courses and mentor in student research projects and statistical experiences.

• Introductory Statistics
• Statistics Education
• Teaching
• Undergraduate Research