Lived Experiences of Graduate Students in Online Statistics Courses: Motivation, Anxiety, and Attitudes

• In Event: Motivation in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of graduate students in online statistics courses in education, focusing on their motivation, anxiety, and attitudes. Eleven graduate students from a Florida public university participated in semi-structured interviews. Using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis, three central themes were identified: Finding Purpose: Anchoring Professional Identity, Crossing Uncertain Ground: Challenges Along the Way, and Opening New Possibilities: Expanding Perspectives Through Experience. Results show that motivation drives persistence, anxiety interferes with learning, and attitudes evolve as students benefit from clear course structure, timely instructor feedback, and peer support. Findings highlight differences between master’s and doctoral students and offer suggestions for designing more effective online statistics courses.

Authors

• Stephanie Cho, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Jingshun Zhang, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Xiaoxue Wang, Florida Gulf Coast University