Simulation as a Tool to Develop Statistical Understanding ®

Statistical reasoning is often presented through a variety of statistical “tests” – usually leaving many students bewildered. A foundation for understanding what statistical reasoning is and how it works can help students understand how to make sensible decisions from data before they move to formal techniques. Simulations, made possible by technology such as graphing calculators or computer software, can provide students with a conceptual basis for inference. By generating sampling distributions, students can analyze the behavior of a given statistic, explore whether a given observation is likely, investigate the effect of changing sample size, and consider how distributions differ. Such experiences give students a sense of how to reason from data and help to explain what is behind some of the formal tools of inference. Examples from the world outside of the classroom illustrate how simulation can be a tool in making sensible decisions giving students opportunities to see why statistics is important.