CAI as an Adjunct to Teaching Introductory Statistics: Affect Mediates Learning

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two different computer assisted instruction (CAI) formats compared with traditional in-class instruction as a laboratory supplement to lectures in introductory statistics. The labs occurred during the first third of the course and dealt with descriptive statistics. One hundred and thirty-four students enrolled in an introductory statistics course in psychology were assigned to one of the three lab sessions. The evaluation consisted of affective responses to a questionnaire concerning the lab session, as well as student performance on three homework assignments and on a midterm examination. Lab format had a significant effect on attitude toward the lab; it did not, however, significantly influence performance. Path analysis revealed interesting relations between lab format, student attitude toward the lab, and performance on the midterm examination. These findings point to the need to further examine CAI as a supplement to introductory statistics instruction.