The Effects of Different Modes of Representation in Statistical Problems Solving
Abstract
The aim of the present research project was to examine the skills of third grade primary school pupils in the representation of probability and statistics concepts in the area of information, algebraic, verbal, graphic and tabular representations, as well as their ability to move from one field of representation to another. 296 third grade primary school pupils were given a test sample which included 11 translation exercises in the five fields of representation. Methods of implicative statistical analysis were used to analyse the data. The processing of results showed that the ability to translate from one form of representation to another with regard to statistical problems is largely developed in children and that they are able to cope with the various forms of representation of a statistical problem with various degrees of success. More specifically, the research results showed that the tasks involving the conversion of verbal forms to charts proved easier for pupils, whereas tasks having a graphic form as their initial source and a verbal form as their final source were the most difficult.