The Development and Availability of an Graduate Student Test of Basic Statistical Knowledge

• In Event: Measurement and Assessment in Higher Education SIG (64) Paper Session 2

Abstract

The Fundamental Concepts in Applied Statistics Test (FCAST), which is freely available online, is a 40-item test that measures the concepts, key terms, and skills that are fundamental to understanding quantitative methods coursework in applied statistics. It was designed to be taken by graduate students in the social and behavioral sciences who wish to measure the degree to which they understand these fundamental concepts. It can be used by the students themselves and their advisors to support sound decision-making in developing students’ course plans. It can also be used as a formative assessment by instructors of quantitative methods courses who wish to gather evidence of their students’ background knowledge to guide instruction.

Author

• Susan Anderson Mauck, The Ohio State University - Columbus