Teaching statistics in post-16 biology

• Autores: Neil Millar
• Localización: School Science Review, ISSN 0036-6811, Vol. 97, Nº. 360, 2016 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Mathematics in science), págs. 29-35
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The development of fast statistics computer software over the past 50 years has changed the way scientific data are analysed. Accurate statistics can now be generated instantly, including exact P-values for any statistical test on large data sets, which allow better conclusions to be made. However, in schools, the teaching of statistics in biology has not changed to keep up with the modern world and students are being asked to learn obsolete and incorrect methods.

    In addition, the quality of statistical literacy of those who write the government requirements, the specifications, the examinations, and the textbooks leaves much to be desired. A solution to this problem is proposed where biology students are taught to carry out statistical analyses using modern computer software. The simplicity of this method should result in better understanding of the methods and so fewer mistakes.