An exploratory study of the effectiveness of computer graphics and simulations in a computer-student interactive environment in illustrating random sampling and the central limit theorem

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the effectiveness of the computer-student interactive method in presenting statistical concepts and in instructing students in the applications of these concepts, and (2) to develop instruments that test for the understanding of these concepts and the mastery of these application skills.; The computer-student interactive method provided an experiential learning environment in which students were allowed to use computers to experiment with and investigate the concepts of random sampling and the central limit theorem.; The students in two sections of Business Statistics, STA 2014, at a community college participated in this study. A traditional lecture method was used with the control group to present a unit on random sampling and the central limit theorem to one section of 29 students. The computer-student interactive method was used with the experimental group of 23 students.; The experimental group performed significantly better than the control group on a concepts test administered at the conclusion of the study. There was no significant difference in the performance of the two groups on an applications test.; Concept and application retention tests were given three weeks after the conclusion of the study. There was no significant difference in the degree of retention for both groups on either test.; A mathematics attitude was administered before and after the study. There was no significant favorable change in attitude toward mathematics over the course of the study.; After an analysis of the results from the study, the researcher concluded that the computer-student interactive method is effective in presenting abstract statistical concepts to community college business statistics students.