Statistical literacy of undergraduate students in Indonesia: Survey studies

Abstract

Nowadays, statistics based information is widely used by various institutions and social media, therefore statistical literacy as an essential knowledge has been recognized by various modern countries is something that must be owned by every citizen in recent information-based society. Students need statistical knowledge and skills so that they will be able to apply it in their studies and daily life. This study aims to assess the level of statistical literacy and variables that influence the improvement of undergraduate students' literacy in Indonesia. The statistical literacy model used is the model proposed by Gal, which are the knowledge component consisting of five cognitive elements: literacy skills, statistical knowledge, mathematical knowledge, context knowledge, and critical questions and disposition components consisting of two elements: attitude critical; beliefs and attitudes. A survey was given to 114 of students, which are from both mathematics study program and mathematics education study program who either have studied basic statistics or have not. The results showed that the level of students' statistical literacy for all components was sufficient, both for the component of good knowledge and the low disposition component. The average statistical literacy score of students who have studied basic statistics is higher than those who have not studied basic statistics. There are four factors that influence students' statistical literacy, namely mathematical ability (logical and critical thinking), general knowledge, literacy skills (language), and statistical knowledge.