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