Definitions and models of statistical literacy: a literature review

Abstract

Despite statistical literacy being relatively new in statistics education research, it needs special attention as attempts are being made to enhance the teaching, learning and assessing of this sub-strand. It is important that teachers and researchers are aware of the challenges of teaching this literacy. In this article, the growing importance of statistics in today’s information world and conceptions and components of statistical literacy are outlined. Frameworks for developing statistical literacy from research literature are considered next. Examples of tasks used in statistics education research are provided to explain the levels of thinking. Strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks are considered. The article concludes with some implications for teaching and research.