Statistical literacy in real-world contexts: Experiences with statistical information outside of the classroom
Open Access
- Author:
- Herman, Emilee
- Graduate Program:
- Educational Psychology
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- October 24, 2023
- Committee Members:
- Jonna Marie Kulikowich, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
P Karen Murphy, Committee Member
Matthew McCrudden, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies - Keywords:
- Statistical literacy
Information and media use
Model of Domain Learning
Informal learning contexts - Abstract:
- Researchers have identified statistical literacy as an important objective for all individuals due to the increasing presence of data and statistics in everyday life. Students’ ability to successfully understand the information they encounter is related to their stage of domain learning, characterized in the Model of Domain Learning (MDL) by the interplay between knowledge, strategy use, and interest. These components also interact with contextual factors in ways that may be related to learning. Statistical literacy discussions often reference the importance of real-world contexts outside of the classroom, yet most of the research on the topic has been focused on formal learning settings. In this study, I examined the informal contexts where university students encounter statistical information outside of the classroom. Undergraduate students provided responses to a survey about their general information source use and specific encounters with statistical information outside of the classroom. Their responses indicated that students rely primarily on social media for information and frequently encounter statistical information in these online environments. These environments are often distinct from traditional classroom settings and may place additional demands on learners’ knowledge and strategic processing that are not present in a classroom environment. These results have implications for both researchers and educators who are attempting to help prepare students to be successful citizens in a data-driven society.