Examining relational patterns of students'learning difficulties in statistical concepts using qualitative matrix and multidimensional scaling of interview data

摘要

Many researchers have recognized that the mixed mode method in the analysis of their research data to a great extent has provided them with a significant and informative result of their studies. However, the methodological techniques used are wide and it varies across different disciplines and areas of research One area which is gaining popularity in research involving the use of both qualitative and quantitative data is in the research of statistical education. On that note, the main purpose of this paper is to describe the methodological techniques used in examining the relational patterns of students' learning difficulties in basic statistical concepts as perceived by the statistics educators. This paper shall discuss how patterns of interview conversations can be displayed using qualitative matrix and visualized using MDS two-dimensional solutions. The triangulation approach used have revealed findings which otherwise could not be elicited and interpreted through a single approach.