Chili con Questions: A Two-Part Lecture/Activity on Sampling and Related Statistics

Abstract

This engaging two-part lecture/activity uses the familiar process of cooking to reduce student fears and insecurities about learning sampling and related statistical concepts in research methods and statistics courses. Using inexpensive and readily available props to simulate preparing and entry for a chili cook-off contest, and manipulating a common...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Research Methods

Resource Type(s):

Lecture

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

This lecture/activity engages research methods and statistics students by employing an interesting, yet generally understood, analog for sampling in research. The use of props grabs student attention and causes them to process information using multiple senses. The applications and use of props appeals to students with various learning styles, and...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will indicate they already understood and accepted the most basic premise of sampling in survey research even before the class activity
2. Students will agree that the activity increased their confidence that they can grasp basic concepts used in sampling in research.
3. Students will be able to explain the following sampling concepts: sample, population, representative, generalization, sampling bias, sample size, statistic, parameter, and sampling error. (see supplemental files for more details)

Goal Assessment(s):

1. A show of hands or results from an electronic student response system should indicate that most students realize they "already understood and accepted the basic premise of sampling before today’s class."
2. A show of hands or results from an electronic student response system should indicate that most students agree that "this activity increased my confidence that I can grasp concepts related to sampling in research."
3. Short answer or essay questions can require students to explain concepts, identify them in social science examples, distinguish between concepts, or develop original examples of them in a hypothetical study. (see supplemental files for more details)