Coefficient alpha is a simple and very useful index of test reliability that is widely used in educational and psychological measurement. Classical statistical inference for coefficient alpha is well developed. This paper presents two methods for Bayesian statistical inference for a single sample alpha coefficient. An approximate analytic method…

Proposes guidelines for revising the American Psychological Association (APA) publication manual or other APA materials to clarify the application of statistics in research reports. The guidelines are intended to induce authors and editors to recognize the thoughtless application of statistical methods. Contains 54 references. (SLD)

This study examined the relationship between STAR Math gains and TCAP composite scores. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant relationship between STAR Math pretest and posttest gains over the course of the 2005-2006 academic year through the use of the STAR Math software program and TCAP math composite scores at…

Using Microsoft Excel, several interactive, computerized learning modules are developed to demonstrate the Central Limit Theorem. These modules are used in the classroom to enhance the comprehension of this theorem. The Central Limit Theorem is a very important theorem in statistics, and yet because it is not intuitively obvious, statistics…

Instructional alignment is the extent to which stimulus conditions match three instructional components. This paper demonstrates a new perspective in which instructional alignment generates larger effects in research and practice for less "cost" than other instructional constructs. (VM)

Discusses some key statistical concepts in probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling to provide an overview for understanding the inference process. Suggests a statistical model constituting the basis of statistical inference and provides a brief review of the finite population descriptive inference and a quota sampling inferential theory.…

Examines potential problems in the use of inferential statistics for single population proportions, differences between two population proportions, and quotients of two population proportions. Discusses hypothesis testing versus interval estimation. Emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate formula for the standard error and…

Distinguishes two conceptions of sample and sampling that emerged in the context of a teaching experiment conducted in a high school statistics class. Suggests that the conception of a sample as a quasi- proportional, small-scale version of the population is a powerful one to target for instruction. (Author/KHR)

Presents and discusses examples that illustrate the nature and scope of elementary and middle school students' reasoning when they are faced with tasks that involve making inferences and predictions from data. Shows that the range in thinking is not so much dependent on age as on the experiences students have in data exploration. (KHR)

Investigates student interpretation of research by asking samples of undergraduates, graduates, and faculty questions concerning the implications of random sampling and random assignment. Finds that random sampling is understood while the role of random assignment in interpretation of results is misunderstood. Concludes there is a need for…

Studies binomial, negative binomial, and gamma regression models and gives a detailed description of inference procedures based on them. The process of model fitting and evaluation is illustrated by examples referring to the determination of endpoints in acute and chronic toxicity tests. (17 references) (Author/MDH)

Comparison of 88 business students who completed experiential projects involving data collection and inferential analysis with 125 who received lectures only indicated that the active learning method resulted in better understanding of statistics through the application of theory to real-life situations. (SK)

While technology has become an integral part of introductory statistics courses, the programs typically employed are professional packages designed primarily for data analysis rather than for learning. Findings from several studies suggest that use of such software in the introductory statistics classroom may not be very effective in helping…

Describes the development of an introductory course that exposes mathematical sciences majors to a full range of issues that most practicing statisticians may face including data acquisition, design of experiments, use of theory, and formal writing. Provides a summary of laboratories and student perspectives. (Author/MM)

The study of statistics can be enhanced by using real-world data and problems obtained from the Internet. Uses data on HIV infections in Asian and Pacific Islander females to teach both descriptive and inferential statistics. (ASK)