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The Economic Statistics Skills Assessment (ESSA)

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  • McKee, Douglas
  • Orlov, George

Abstract

In this paper, we document the design, development, and validation of a new multiple-choice assessment created to test student knowledge and understanding of probability and statistics concepts used in economics. High quality measures of student skills and understanding are useful for course and program evaluation, analysis of pedagogical innovation, and identifying misconceptions and gaps in students’ prerequisite knowledge in more advanced courses. Alternatives such as final examinations often do not provide the desired coverage and are difficult to compare across terms and institutions, and student evaluations of teaching (SETs) may reflect student sentiment rather than the quality of instruction and overall student learning. Until now, the only standard assessment appropriate for undergraduate economics courses was the Test of Understanding College Economics (TUCE), which tests introductory economics knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • McKee, Douglas & Orlov, George, 2023. "The Economic Statistics Skills Assessment (ESSA)," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:44:y:2023:i:c:s1477388023000130
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2023.100272
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics; Statistics; Assessment; Concept inventory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A2 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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