Open AccessCOMPARING BOX PLOT DISTRIBUTIONS: A TEACHER’S REASONING
Author(s) -
Maxine Pfannkuch
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
statistics education research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 1570-1824
DOI - 10.52041/serj.v5i2.498
Subject(s) - plot (graphics) , referent , inference , statistical inference , mathematics education , task (project management) , sampling (signal processing) , computer science , class (philosophy) , psychology , statistics , artificial intelligence , mathematics , engineering , linguistics , philosophy , systems engineering , filter (signal processing) , computer vision
Drawing conclusions from the comparison of datasets using informal statistical inference is a challenging task since the nature and type of reasoning expected is not fully understood. In this paper a secondary teacher’s reasoning from the comparison of box plot distributions during the teaching of a Year 11 (15-year-old) class is analyzed. From the analysis a model incorporating ten distinguishable elements is established to describe her reasoning. The model highlights that reasoning in the sampling and referent elements is ill formed. The methods of instruction, and the difficulties and richness of verbalizing from the comparison of box plot distributions are discussed. Implications for research and educational practice are drawn.
First published November 2006 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives