Ten simple rules for learning the language of statistics

Paper

Richardson, Alice M., Dunn, Peter K., Carey, Michael D. and McDonald, Christine. 2016. "Ten simple rules for learning the language of statistics." MacGilivray, Helen, Martin, Michael A. and Phillips, Brian (ed.) OZCOTS 2016: Satellite to ASC 2016 Australian Statistical Conference. Canberra, Australia 08 - 09 Dec 2016 Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Ten simple rules for learning the language of statistics

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsRichardson, Alice M. (Author), Dunn, Peter K. (Author), Carey, Michael D. (Author) and McDonald, Christine (Author)
EditorsMacGilivray, Helen, Martin, Michael A. and Phillips, Brian
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 9th Australian Conference on Teaching Statistics
Number of Pages6
Year2016
Place of PublicationAustralia
ISBN9780980595024
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://iase-web.org/documents/anzcots/OZCOTS_2016_Proceedings.pdf
Conference/EventOZCOTS 2016: Satellite to ASC 2016 Australian Statistical Conference
Event Details
OZCOTS 2016: Satellite to ASC 2016 Australian Statistical Conference
Event Date
08 to end of 09 Dec 2016
Event Location
Canberra, Australia
Abstract

In this paper we propose ten simple ‘rules’ for guiding students’ learning of the language of statistics.
Learning any new subject brings with it the requirement to learn the language associated with that
subject. Students also bring with them varying understandings about the relationship between
statistics and mathematics. Many students expect the formality and precision of mathematics to
transfer to statistics, and are baffled to discover this is not the case.
The first four rules will guide instructors and learners around the landscape of tricky terms, from
general English to the English of mathematics, statistics and other disciplines. The remaining six
rules will establish some signposts along the way to assisting students to overcome the challenges of
the language of statistics. We acknowledge that there is no single route to enforce here, and that
management of expectations, embracing ambiguity in terminology, and reinforcement of new
language through writing and speaking all have a role to play in teaching and learning the language
of statistics.

ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390199. Curriculum and pedagogy not elsewhere classified
Public Notes

No evidence of copyright restrictions preventing deposit of Published paper.

Byline AffiliationsAustralian National University
University of the Sunshine Coast
School of Agricultural, Computational and Environmental Sciences
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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