ERIC: Education Resources Information Center Skip main navigation

ED050019 - Inappropriateness of Inferential and Insufficiency of Descriptive Statistics in Educational Evaluation: The Problem and a Solution.

Help Tutorial Help | Tutorial Help | Tutorial Help With This Page Help With This Page
Record Details

Full-Text Availability Options:

PDF ERIC Full Text (134K)

Click on any of the links below to perform a new search
ERIC #:ED050019
Title:Inappropriateness of Inferential and Insufficiency of Descriptive Statistics in Educational Evaluation: The Problem and a Solution.
Authors:Throne, John M.
Descriptors:Behavior Change; Behavioral Objectives; Evaluation; Evaluation Criteria; Evaluation Methods; Operant Conditioning; Predictive Validity; Research Methodology; Statistical Analysis; Statistical Data; Teacher Evaluation; Teaching; Validity
Source:N/A
More Info:
Help
Peer-Reviewed:
N/A
Publisher:N/A
Publication Date:1971-02-00
Pages:17
Pub Types:N/A
Abstract:This paper argues that to be appropriate the evaluation of teaching must occur under circumstances entirely free of the limitations which inferential statistics necessarily impose on teaching. Regardless of whether the statistical, design, and treatment assumptions required for the valid use of inferential statistics in education are met, inferential statistical analysis is still functionally inappropriate. Descriptive statistical analysis, often recommended as an alternative, is also insufficient for evaluating teaching effectiveness. Interpretations or predictions based on descriptive or inferential statistical findings are based on presumed relationships between phenomenal variables which the statistical findings apparently--but only apparently--reflect. It is suggested that a viable replacement consists of functional analysis of behavior strategy based on operant conditioning. This method is precisely tailored for the moment-to-moment manipulation required by educational practice. (RT)
Abstractor:N/A
Reference Count:0

Note:Paper presented at annual meeting, AERA, New York, 1971
Identifiers:N/A
Record Type:Non-Journal
Level:1 - Available on microfiche
Institutions:N/A
Sponsors:N/A
ISBN:N/A
ISSN:N/A
Audiences:N/A
Languages:N/A
Education Level:N/A
 

ERIC Home