Helping Students Understand Health Statistics

Authors

Adam J. Armijo, Fort Hays State University
Jisook Park, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
W. Trey Hill, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

DOI

10.58809/UPYT4130

Abstract

Mathematical and statistical information is often presented to patients after receiving health care. Previous research would suggest that people often have difficulty understanding statistical information, especially when it is presented in a single event probability format. According to previous research, the difficulty arises from numerical literacy, presentation format and an interaction of both. The goal of the current study is to determine the accuracy of students’ estimates of having an STD, after receiving a positive test result in a simulated clinical setting. Three different formats were manipulated to help students understand the statistical information frequencies, single event probability, and an icon array. Contrary to previous research, a three step hierarchical logistic regression determined that none of the formats were aiding in the accuracy of students’ estimates of having chlamydia. In fact, very few students estimated the correct likelihood they had an STD after receiving a positive test result. Possible limitations and future research are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Armijo, Adam J.; Park, Jisook; and Hill, W. Trey (2016) "Helping Students Understand Health Statistics," Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research: Vol. 4, Article 1.
DOI: 10.58809/UPYT4130
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/aljsr/vol4/iss1/1