This paper is from Session 5I: Understanding the statistical education needs of researchers in applied disciplines
which comes under Topic 5: Statistics education in the workplace, government and across disciplines
Paper 5I3 (Wednesday 11th, 11:00-12:30)
Back to basics? Identifying educational needs in statistical consulting
Presenter
- Sue Finch (University of Melbourne, Australia)
Co-authors
- Graham Hepworth (University of Melbourne, Australia)
- Ian Gordon (University of Melbourne, Australia)
Abstract
In statistical consulting the educational needs of clients can vary widely, and a consultant may need to work to develop statistical thinking and/or analytic competencies within a limited timeframe. What can a consultant assume about a client’s knowledge and educational needs? What is the relationship between clients’ broadly-defined analytic competence and understanding of fundamental statistical concepts and ideas? What are the implications for consulting practice and training in a world with more, bigger data? In our unique study, we carried out surveys of clients and consultants based on actual consultations between experienced applied statisticians and clients, collecting data on the same consultation from different perspectives. We use these data in addressing these questions.