THE ROLE OF NON-COGNITIVE FACTORS IN THE INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS CLASSROOM

Abstract

The study reported in this paper aimed to not only understand student attitudes towards statistics, but also their beliefs about their ability to perform statistical tasks (self-efficacy), the value they place on carrying out course and statistical tasks (task value), and level of effort they perceive when engaging in these tasks (cost) across a semester in an undergraduate introductory statistics course. Findings indicated that students viewed statistics as more difficult, less valuable, and more costly to engage in as the semester progressed. Further, students also reported an increase in avoidant help-seeking behaviors (e.g., not seeking help when needed). Non-cognitive factors were not found to predict course retention. Variables of affect and self-efficacy, however, were shown to predict overall course grade.