Experimental Research in a Statistical Concepts Course

This paper describes the experience of synthesis of concepts learnt in a semester-long statistical concepts course into a major piece of work. In the University of Canberra course entitled "The World of Chance", the major assessment item is a group project. Groups of two or three students identify a research question to study via a small experiment or observational study, carry out the data collection, calculate descriptive statistics and draw simple conclusions on the basis of those statistics. In 2001, in an attempt to enhance the integration of topics across the course in their assessment, all students were directed to carry out a project involving an experiment. This paper describes the material covered in class on experimental design, and the workshop activities used to support this material. This paper also describes a selection of the topics investigated by students, and discusses the degree of integration achieved by the students in their projects.