Numbers 1.5 Dependent and Independent Variables

Today we learned about dependent and independent variables. We were given a scenario where students first took a pre-survey and then sat through an information session about the Ebola Virus and then took a post-survey.  From the face of it, it would seem that students should be able to better perform on the post-survey than the pre-survey. Well, let's take a look at some statistics.  First we need to identify the variables.  An independent variable is the factor that causes change.  In this case, the independent variable was the intervention or the lesson the students were given.  The dependent variable is the item that changes.  In this case, it would be the test scores of the students

Click to see the data set and equations used to formulate the TTest

Looking at our statistics, you can see that the TTest scores (in yellow) are very high.  This would signal that there was not a significant difference between test scores. Over 100 surveys were given which is enough for a valid test.  In fact, looking at the averages for each test question, you could see that in some cases the scores actually decreased.  A teacher looking at these scores would have to reflect on how this material was presented to the class. 

This project is most closely related to ISTE-2  design and develop digital learning experiences and assessments.  We learned how to assess data which could lead us to best classroom practices.