How Do Families Live around the World? Lessons Learned from a Statistical Literacy Intervention Based on the “Dollar Street” Project in Undergraduate-Level Statistics and Economics Courses

Abstract

This study is based on a statistical literacy intervention in two different undergraduate courses at two US public universities based on the “Dollar Street” Project of the Gapminder Foundation. The goal of this innovative intervention was to expose students to real-world data and teach them how to apply their knowledge of statistics to conduct research, produce a professionally written report, and tell a meaningful story based on data. Students found this project relevant and reported an improved ability to analyze real-world data using statistical methods. Given the importance of understanding statistical concepts and the growing interest in data science in our fast-changing world, this study can be used as an example of how college courses can provide hands-on activities to increase students’ statistical literacy, develop their analytical skills, and create knowledgeable and data-driven members of our society.