Students’ understanding of histograms and bar graphs: results from the LOCUS assessments

Abstract

Histograms and bar graphs are standard data displays, and fluency with their use is a requisite for understanding many important statistical topics. These data displays are frequently included in K-12 mathematics curriculum documents in addition to being taught in college-level introductory statistics courses. Including histograms and bar graphs in standards documents does not necessarily imply that students understand them at the expected level. Using data from the LOCUS assessments (NSF DRL-1118168) administered to over 3500 students ages 12-18 in the United States, this poster illustrates the current level of student understanding and common misconceptions about histograms and bar graphs.

Douglas Whitaker

Associate Professor of Statistics