Statistical graphs in Costa Rica textbooks for primary education

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyze the statistical graphs included in the two most frequently series of textbooks used in Costa Rica basic education. We analyze the type of graph, its semiotic complexity, and the data context, as well as the type of task, reading level required to complete the task and purpose of the graph within the task. We observed the predominance of bar graphs, third level of semiotic complexity (representing a distribution), second reading level (reading between the data), work and school context, reading and computation tasks and analysis purpose. We describe the differences in the various grades and between both editorials, as well as differences and coincidences with results of other textbook studies carried out in Spain and Chile.