Abstract
The use of statistics as a tool has greatly increased over the last twenty years, mainly because computers and statistical packages have made the collection, storage and analysis of data more accessible. This has meant that researchers with a wide variety of statistical preparation and backgrounds are now using statistics. But what is the quality of the statistical work? And has the teaching and learning of statistics experienced a reciprocal increase? This research covers two aspects. First, we examine PhD thesis in Australian and New Zealand universities regarding the quality of the statistical analysis. PhD theses were selected as they are the stepping stone to research and innovation. The support available to research students at each university is also investigated. Analysis of data indicates which variables are associated with the correctness of statistical methodology. We also investigate the level of statistics covered in undergraduate science degrees in the same Australian and New Zealand universities. The results reveal a scenario much worse than perhaps anticipated. The findings of the study are relevant to Australia’s future in a competitive global market.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | OZCOTS 2016 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 9th Australian Conference on Teaching Statistics |
| Editors | Helen MacGillivray, Michael A. Martin, Brian Phillips |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | Statistical Society of Australia |
| Pages | 105-110 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-9805950-2-4 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2016 |
| Event | 9th Australian Conference on Teaching Statistics - Canberra, Australia Duration: 5 Dec 2016 → 9 Dec 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | 9th Australian Conference on Teaching Statistics |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Canberra |
| Period | 5/12/16 → 9/12/16 |