Success in a Statistics Course: How Important is Grit?

Success in a statistics course depends on many factors including student attitudes and behaviors. In the first of two studies we had students complete a self-assessment at the beginning of the semester. The responses were later evaluated to determine what characteristics distinguish stronger students from weaker students. In the second study, assessments were made at the end of the semester. The students’ self-reflections were correlated with expected course grades and, as expected, stronger students reported behaviors consistent with a stronger work ethic. To the extent that pre-course and post-course assessments reveal student characteristics associated with academic success, the information may be useful in identifying promising students and in further developing those traits in all students.