These tests have little overall bearing on the grade but allow me to adjust the next class period s lesson. All homework and class assignments, as well as exams, require written interpretation of data. Some of these writing assignments ask students to interpret the meaning of generated statistical data. For example, I have asked students to describe opinions regarding homosexuality by presenting a variety of frequency and crosstab distributions. Other questions ask students to explore the veracity of a hypothesis by performing the appropriate statistical operations.
Students always provide written interpretations of the data.
Simply calculating the correct answer is not sufficient to achieve a passing grade. Periodically I ask students to read a pre-selected refereed journal article. The article includes statistical analyses currently being taught in the class. I ask students to summarize the article into a one-page press release using no statistical terminology. The assignment helps to develop students reading and writing skills, as well as their understanding of professional literature.