Análise das atitudes e imagem em relação à estatística: um estudo comparativo com alunos da graduação

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the image and attitudes that students in higher education have in relation to Statistics, by means of a comparative study before and after the students coursing discipline. The research involved a sample of students enrolled in the discipline of Statistics in undergraduate courses in Administration, Accounting and Information Systems, in a private college in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre. For data analysis tools were used in descriptive statistics and results were compared with the study validated by Cazorla et al (1999). The scale showed good internal consistency in the second questionnaire, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. An exploratory factor analysis identified three underlying factors based on the original scale for the discussion of the results: confidence / affection / security, importance / applicability and utility / skill. Comparing the attitudes and the image that students have in relation to statistics before and after coursing discipline, it was found that students sometimes have attitudes favorable and sometimes unfavorable image, may be supposed that this fact is linked to other factors not covered bu this study as the methodology of the teacher, learning difficulties, classroom environment, etc. Even with this type of behavior, students recognize the applicability of statistical knowledge.