Robert C. delMas|Yan Liu
EXPLORING STUDENTS’ CONCEPTIONS OF THE STANDARD DEVIATION
University of Minnesota System|Vanderbilt University
study investigated introductory statistics students conceptual understanding standard deviation computer environment designed promote students ability coordinate characteristics variation values mean size standard deviation measure variation twelve students participated interview divided two primary phases exploration phase students rearranged histogram bars produce largest smallest standard deviation testing phase students compared sizes standard deviation two distributions analysis data revealed conceptions strategies students used construct arrangements make comparisons general students moved simple onedimensional understandings standard deviation consider variation mean meancentered conceptualizations coordinated effects frequency density deviation mean discussions results implications instruction research presented first published may 2005 statistics education research journal archives