A Computer-Assisted Instruction in Teaching Abstract Statistics to Public Affairs Undergraduates

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate the applicability of a computer-assisted instruction supported with simulated data in teaching abstract statistical concepts to political science and public affairs students in an introductory research methods course. The software is called the Elaboration Model Computer Exercise (EMCE) in that it takes a great deal of its form from the model based on the pioneering work of Paul F. Lazarsfeld. This article presents EMCE and discusses the impetus of creating this tool for an audience who has a weak foundation of statistics.

Keywords:

• Abstract Statistics
• Computer-assisted Instruction
• Elaboration Model
• Public Affairs
• Undergraduate Education

Notes

EMCE is created and used by two methods instructors (School of Public and International Affairs, North Carolina State University (NCSU)) in teaching undergraduate methodology course. The software is donated to School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and accessible to all NC State University faculty, staff, and students.

In order to conclude that it is a spurious relationship, a researcher should prove two conditions occurring within a bivariate relationship: (a) The test variable must be antecedent to both the independent and dependent variables, and (b) the partial relationships must be zero or less than those found in the original relationship.