PROCEEDINGS OF THE 17TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2014
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate Students’ Stochastic Understanding of Probability Distribution
Page: 484
Stochastic conceptions undergird development of conceptual connections between probability and statistics and support development of a principled understanding (Greeno, 1978) of probability distribution. This study employed mixed research methods to investigate the impact of an instructional course intervention designed to support development of stochastic understanding of probability distribution. Instructional supports consisted of supplemental lab assignments comprised of anticipatory tasks designed to engage students in coordinating thinking about complementary probabilistic and statistical notions along a hypothetical learning trajectory aimed at development of stochastic understanding of probability distribution. Participants were 184 undergraduate students enrolled in a lecture/recitation, calculus-based, introductory probability and statistics course. Results of quantitative analyses showed completion of stochastic lab assignments had a statistically significant impact on students’ stochastic understanding of probability distribution. Student interviews revealed those who held stochastic conceptions also indicted integrated reasoning related to probability, variability, and distribution and presented images supporting principled understanding of probability distribution.