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WINTER 2012 - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and ...

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Techniques in Teaching Statistics:<br />

Linking Research Production<br />

<strong>and</strong> Research Use<br />

Amy E. Smith<br />

University <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts–Boston<br />

Ignacio J. Martinez-Moyano<br />

Argonne <strong>National</strong> Laboratory<br />

<strong>and</strong> The University <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

ABSTRACT<br />

In the spirit <strong>of</strong> closing the “research-practice gap,” the authors extend evidencebased<br />

principles to statistics instruction in social science graduate education. 1<br />

The authors employ a Delphi method to survey experienced statistics<br />

instructors to identify teaching techniques to overcome the challenges inherent<br />

in teaching statistics to students enrolled in practitioner-oriented master’s<br />

degree programs. Among the teaching techniques identified as essential are<br />

using real-life examples, requiring data collection exercises, <strong>and</strong> emphasizing<br />

interpretation rather than results. Building on existing research, preliminary<br />

interviews, <strong>and</strong> the findings from the study, the authors develop a model<br />

describing antecedents to the strength <strong>of</strong> the link between research <strong>and</strong> practice.<br />

We want to motivate students on two fronts: first, to seek research<br />

findings related to the problems they address, <strong>and</strong> second, to use the<br />

results <strong>of</strong> their research as an important guide for their actions <strong>and</strong><br />

decisions. (Fitzpatrick, 2000, p. 174)<br />

The ability to employ <strong>and</strong> comprehend statistical concepts <strong>and</strong> tools is an<br />

essential skill in managerial activities. In the last 50 years, efforts to collect,<br />

analyze, <strong>and</strong> use data to improve performance have been on the rise (Julnes,<br />

2007). Moreover, with advances in information technology, the need for<br />

JPAE 18(1), 107–136<br />

Journal <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Affairs</strong> Education 107

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