A for-profit research company provides a sample size and confidence interval calculators (two) and definitions for the factors involved. It is a rudimentary application with limited functionality, and these capabilities are available on numerous websites.
The site also provides sample size formulas, explanation of statistical significant, steps in a survey project (including advantages and disadvantages for techniques), and an explanation of correlation. The rest of webpage is designed solicit business.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
The tool can be used both inside and outside of class with the intent to illustrate concepts and/or be used in research efforts.
Technical Requirements:
Computer with internet access
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The major learning goal is a useful tool for research efforts. Students are able to easily manipulate information to see differences in calculated results. Simple calculations for confidence interval and sample size and explanations of terms and process Really, it is to attract new customers.
Target Student Population:
Primarily college level or graduate students, or any research practitioner. However, most undergraduate students taking classes that would use this have multiple other sources at their disposal.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A research based course that discusses statistical concepts
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The module links to a quick and easy tool for calculating research based information. Since the tool is provided by a survey software service, the calculation method is sound. There is a brief discussion of terms related to the concept, and the entire tool is available alongside other research-based information, such as sample size formula, significance and correlation. As an entire package, the information provides a brief, yet quality discussion of major research terminology. It is simple to use.
Concerns:
Although the website does provide some definitional/conceptual context for the use of this tool, it lacks in the more comprehensive discussion surrounding research, sampling, etc. Instructors would need to support its use with additional instruction. Additionally, since the calculator is a tool, assignments would need to be created for its use. It is limited in its usefulness without it. It appears to duplicate what is available elsewhere, probably discussed in class.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The module has excellent benefits. Once the concepts are better understood, students are able to use this to not only obtain values (without a hand calculation) but also to easily see how adjustments in data can yield different results. This allows for possibly greater decision-making in the research process. Additionally the accompanying content does provide a simple review of the tool’s information, which serves as a good reminder for students.
Concerns:
The tool does have limitations, most of which are just by the nature of a simulation. As a “tool,” it isn’t intended to provide a comprehensive discussion of the topic, nor be set in the context of an assignment. As such, instructors would need to support its use with additional content.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The accompanying website to this tool is well-done, clearly understandable, and efficient in both providing a topic review and an interactive resource for students. Instructors and students alike should find it helpful in coursework, research, etc.
Creative Commons:
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