Sound examples should be used to build intuition rather than using probability paradoxes and misleading statistics to deceive or distort. Real data from many sources and hands-on experience in working with data are employed whenever possible. Other disciplines being studied are excellent sources of data. Social Studies courses provide data on demography, economics, and societal characteristics, and laboratory courses in the physical and biological sciences provide opportunities for students to collect their own data. In this course, students are taught to be alert observers of the world around them since interesting data sets are frequently found in everyday life.
Technology is to be employed to facilitate analysis and interpretation.
The importance of using calculators and computers is stressed, as they are valuable tools that lessen the tedium of mindless computation and reduce the incidence of arithmetic error. The calculations should never be allowed to interfere with the analysis. Computers are also valuable because they allow students to conduct simulations and active experiments in an effective manner within the classroom. With computers, students can conveniently work with realistic problems, rather than overly simplified contrived problems. Note, however, that students should not be permitted to use the computer too quickly.