Collaborative statistical investigations in diverse settings

Abstract

This study presents a continuing investigation oi" influences on outcomes achieved by students working in groups of three on tasks related to chance and data. Earlier research described final mathematical outcomes and identified 17 factors influencing three types of short-term outcomes for groups working in an isolated setting. The current report documents the 17 factors for groups working in a classroom setting and 1654 events for all groups in both settings are identified and each associated with a factor and a short-term otitcome. Consideration is then given to variables that have the potential to influence the factors, the short-term outcomes, and Ihcir interaction. The overarching variable is the setting within which the collaboration took place. Within eaeh setting, however, two other variables operated: the task earried out, the age/grade of students, gender balance, or collaborative characteristics. The influences of these variables are deseribed within the two settings before consideration is given to the overall influence of the settings.