Title: The Improving Numeracy Project: Efficacy-building activities in a college statistics course
Abstract: Introductory statistics students in Psych 2220 completed a number of activities intended to improve numeric self-efficacy, numeracy, and other outcomes. Numeric self-efficacy and numeracy were associated with better course and life outcomes. Students completing more (vs. fewer) activities had more positive outcomes, but our manipulations did not produce the hypothesized differences. This suggests a potential limit to effectiveness of educational interventions to increase self-efficacy.
Dr. Brittany Shoots-Reinhard is interested in decision making and attitudes and persuasion. One area of her research investigates how perceived and actual numeric ability influences decisions and motivation to ultimately improve academic, healthy, and financial outcomes. A second area involves evidence-based communication, and how factors such as emotion, message resistance, and numeric ability facilitate or inhibit persuasion and behavior change. She has explored these factors in topics such as tobacco use and safe driving.