Learning to Use Statistics in Research:

A Case Study of Learning in a University-Based Statistical Consulting Centre

Michelle K. McGinn

Faculty of Education, Brock University

mcginn@brocku.ca

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a qualitative case study of statistical practice in a university-based statistical consulting centre. Naturally occurring conversations and activities in the consulting sessions provided opportunities to observe questions, problems, and decisions related to selecting, using, and reporting statistics and statistical techniques in research. The consulting sessions provided simultaneous opportunities for consultants and clients to learn about using statistics in research. Consistent with contemporary theories that emphasize social dimensions of learning, major themes relate to (a) types of clients and consulting interactions, (b) disciplinary and statistical expertise, and (c) the role of material objects and representations. Evidence shows that consultants and clients learned during the consulting sessions and that the statistical consulting centre contributed positively to teaching and research at the university.

Keywords: Statistics education research; Social learning; Qualitative case study; Ethnostatistics

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Statistics Education Research Journal, 9(2), 35-49, http://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/serj

Ó International Association for Statistical Education (IASE/ISI), November, 2010

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Michelle K. McGinn

Faculty of Education, Brock University

500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines ON

L2S 3A1 Canada