Peter J. Allen|Kate P. Dorozenko|Lynne D. Roberts
Difficult Decisions: A Qualitative Exploration of the Statistical Decision Making Process from the Perspectives of Psychology Students and Academics
Curtin University|Curtin University|Curtin University
quantitative research methods essential development professional competence psychology also area weakness many students particular students known struggle skill selecting quantitative analytical strategies appropriate common research questions hypotheses data types begin understanding apparent deficit presented nine psychology undergraduates completed least one quantitative methods course brief research vignettes asked explicate process would follow identify appropriate statistical technique thematic analysis revealed participants found task challenging even completed several research methods courses struggled articulate would approach vignettes superficial intuitive level students recognized systematic decision making process followed none could describe clearly completely presented vignettes 10 psychology academics particular expertise conducting research andor research methods instruction predictably experts able describe far systematic comprehensive flexible nuanced approach statistical decision making begins early research process pays consideration multiple contextual factors sensitive challenges students experience making statistical decisions attributed partially research methods statistics commonly taught sensitivity reflected pedagogic practices asked consider format features aid could facilitate statistical decision making process groups expressed preference accessible comprehensive reputable resource follows basic decision tree logic academics particular aid function teaching tool engages user choicepoint decision making process rather simply providing answer based findings offer suggestions tools strategies could deployed research methods classroom facilitate strengthen students statistical decision making abilities