The Development and Validation of an Online Test to Measure Graduate Students' Basic Statistics Knowledge

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Division D Section 1 Poster Session 3

Abstract

Most doctoral programs in education require that students, who choose a quantitative focus, take two or more quantitative methods courses to prepare them to conduct original research and evaluate the research of others. Students may not be prepared for these courses, however, even if an introduction to statistics course is a prerequisite. Those who begin a quantitative methods course without sufficient background knowledge may struggle to achieve course objectives. The Fundamental Concepts in Applied Statistics Test was developed to efficiently measure graduate students’ basic statistical knowledge. It can be used by students themselves as an indication of their preparedness for a quantitative methods course or by instructors of quantitative methods courses to gather evidence of their students’ basic knowledge.

Author

• Susan Anderson Mauck, The Ohio State University - Columbus