APPLICATIONS OF PAIRED SAMPLES T-TEST IN ASSESSING STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

Abstract

Introduction to Probability and Statistics (STA116) is a mandatory course for Diploma in Computer Science (CDCS110) students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). However, because of their inadequate mathematical and statistical backgrounds, students typically have significant scholastic difficulties when learning probability and statistics. In general, the growth of topic understanding is positively impacted by a positive attitude toward learning probability and statistics. Therefore, it is essential to examine the students’ attitude towards this course to determine whether the learning outcomes for this course have been met. Pre- and post-test designs are employed to evaluate participants' attitudes or perceptions of a particular incident or to assess how comfortable they are using the knowledge that was covered in class. A total of 30 students from one class who are taking the STA116 course have been involved in this study. The data was collected in Week 1 (pretest) and in Week 14 (posttest). Overall, the findings show that students' views about probability and statistics improved significantly after learning these subjects as opposed to before they started. Students' views regarding probability and statistics have thereby improved because of the class this semester. There were also notable differences between the pre- and post-test views on probability and statistics. This indicates that after studying this topic for the entire semester, the students' perspectives have evolved. Consequently, educators need to learn more about students' perspectives on probability and statistics. Thus, determining students' attitudes toward statistics and designing an instructional approach that improves their statistical literacy will improve their mathematical performance.