The relationships among types of errors observed during probability problem solving were studied. Subjects were 50 graduate students in an introductory probability and statistics course. Errors were classified as text comprehension, conceptual, procedural, and arithmetic. Canonical correlation analysis was conducted on the frequencies of specific…

The general question examined by this study was whether the tendency of subjects to ignore the known score in giving the best guess for a sample mean was due to a descriptive heuristic such as representativeness or to a mechanistic one such as active balancing. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, subjects estimated: (1) the mean of a…

This document contains three modules. The first of these examines applications of algebra to geometry. It is designed to teach students how to algebraically characterize points which may be constructed with a compass and straight edge, and how to use this characterization to obtain classical geometric nonconstructibility results. The second unit…

This teacher's guide to probability and statistics contains three major sections. The first section on elementary combinatorial principles includes activities, student problems, and suggested teaching procedures for the multiplication principle, permutations, and combinations. Section two develops an intuitive approach to probability through…

This is volume three of a three-volume set for teachers using SMSG junior high school text materials. Each unit contains a commentary on the text, answers to all the exercises, a copy of the questionnaire used for evaluating the material, and a summary of comments by the teachers using the text. Unit topics include: (1) what is mathematics; (2)…

This booklet, one of a series, has been developed for the project, A Program for Mathematically Underdeveloped Pupils. A project team, including inservice teachers, is being used to write and develop the materials for this program. The materials developed in this booklet include (1) the meaning of probability, (2) counting outcomes, (3) mutually…

Part I of the teachers' guide for "Detecting Patterns" gives a brief description of the mathematical skills needed for the unit, lists the substantive areas touched on by the problems in the pamphlet, suggests classroom uses for the booklet, and gives background information on the individual chapters of the unit. Part II provides complete…

Aitkin's generalized least squares (GLS) principle, with the inverse of the observed variance-covariance matrix as a weight matrix, is applied to estimate the factor analysis model in the exploratory (unrestricted) case. It is shown that the GLS estimates are scale free and asymptotically efficient. The estimates are computed by a rapidly…

Statistics are an essential tool for making proper judgement decisions. It is concerned with probability distribution models, testing of hypotheses, significance tests and other means of determining the correctness of deductions and the most likely outcome of decisions. Measures of central tendency include the mean, median and mode. A second…

Potential uses for computers include: programing the solutions to problems; simulating situations in order to test hypotheses; gaming, as a study of probability and statistics; and practicing, testing, and tutoring. (MP)

This description of a graduate applied mathematics program developed at Hunter College is for students with a liberal-arts background and is suitable to the economic and geographical location of New York City. The components of the program and its success are reported. (Author/MP)

The author presents an approach to the teaching of undergraduate introductory probability and statistics. He also presents experimental evidence that suggests the approach helps students rely upon probability theory in making estimates for the likelihood of events rather than rely upon heuristic principles which may bias probability estimates. (MN)

The need for hands-on computer laboratory experience in undergraduate and graduate statistics education has been firmly established in the past decade. As a result a number of attempts have been undertaken to develop novel approaches for problem-driven statistical thinking, data analysis and result interpretation. In this paper we describe an…

The instruction of probability and statistics is promoted as an area for exploration in elementary school. Activities are suggested that are designed to provide pupils with opportunities to learn desired concepts through informal, exploratory exercises. A total of eight different activities are suggested, with four each under probability and…