Inferential reasoning is an integral part of science and civic society, but research shows that it is a problematic domain for many people. One possibility for a more accessible approach to inferential reasoning is to use randomization tests via computer simulations. A case study was conducted with primary preservice teachers after they had passed…

Research Context: In educational research, "context effects" are often of inferential interest to researchers as well as of evaluative interest to policymakers. While student education outcomes likely depend on individual-level influences like individual academic achievement, school contexts may also make a difference. Such questions are…

Interpreting statistical graphs and making inferences based on the graphs are a precursor for formal statistical inferences. To support student inferences, both teachers and future teachers should have adequate knowledge regarding students' thinking on graphs as well as their potential misinterpretations and difficulties in interpreting graphs. In…

Temporality-driven covariate classification had limited impact on: the specification of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) by 85 novice analysts (medical undergraduates); or the risk of bias in DAG-informed multivariable models designed to generate causal inference from observational data. Only 71 students (83.5%) managed to complete the…

This study shows that residual variation can cause problems related to scaling in exponential random graph models (ERGM). Residual variation is likely to exist when there are unmeasured variables in a model--even those uncorrelated with other predictors--or when the logistic form of the model is inappropriate. As a consequence, coefficients cannot…

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs like regression discontinuity (RD) designs, instrumental variable (IV) designs, and matching and propensity score (PS) designs are frequently used for inferring causal effects. It is well known that the features of these designs facilitate the identification of a causal estimand…

Statistical graphs are commonly used in scientific publications. Unfortunately, graphs in psychology journals rarely portray distributional information beyond central tendency, and few graphs portray inferential statistics. Moreover, those that do portray inferential information generally do not portray it in a way that is useful for interpreting…

Describes a circulation model for academic research libraries which uses the mixed Poisson model, incorporating ageing of library materials, to predict future use of monographs and to suggest weeding procedures based on frequency of circulation. Longitudinal studies are examined and statistical details are appended. (Author/LRW)