How to Get Away With Statistics: Gamification of Multivariate Statistics. Issue 3 (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Iorio, Jacopo; Vantini, Simone
• Is Part Of: Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education. Volume 29:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Interactive applications -- Teaching statistics -- Videogames
• DOI: Https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/26939169.2021.1997128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2693-9169

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, we discuss our attempt to teach applied statistics techniques typically taught in advanced courses, such as clustering and principal component analysis, to a non-mathematical educated audience. Considering the negative attitude and inclination toward mathematical disciplines of our students we introduce them to our topics using four different games. The four games are all user-centric, score-based arcade experiences intended to be played under the supervision of an instructor. They are developed using the Shiny web-based application framework for R. In every activity students have to follow the instructions and to interact with plots to minimize a score with a statistical meaning. No other knowledge than elementary geometry and Euclidean distance is required to complete the tasks. Results from a student questionnaire give us some confidence that the experience has benefited students, not only in terms of their ability to understand and use the explained methods but also regarding their confidence and overall satisfaction with the course. This fact suggests that these or similar activities could greatly improve the diffusion of statistical thinking at different levels of education.