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Changes in Math Prerequisites and Student Performance in Business Statistics: Do Math Prerequisites Really Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey J. Green

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

  • Courtenay C. Stone

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

  • Abera Zegeye

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

  • Thomas A. Charles

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

Abstract

We use a binary probit model to assess the impact of several changes in math prerequisites on student performance in an undergraduate business statistics course. While the initial prerequisites did not necessarily provide students with the necessary math skills, our study, the first to examine the effect of math prerequisite changes, shows that these changes were deleterious to student performance. Our results helped convince the College of Business to change the math prerequisite again beginning with the 2008/2009 academic year. Thus, this study is also the first to actually help strengthen math prerequisites and improve student performance in business statistics.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey J. Green & Courtenay C. Stone & Abera Zegeye & Thomas A. Charles, 2007. "Changes in Math Prerequisites and Student Performance in Business Statistics: Do Math Prerequisites Really Matter?," Working Papers 200704, Ball State University, Department of Economics, revised Jul 2007.
    • Handle: RePEc:bsu:wpaper:200704
    as

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    File URL: http://econfac.bsu.edu/research/workingpapers/bsuecwp200704green.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    binary probit; business statistics; math prerequisites; student performance.;
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