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Distinctive Aspects of Reasoning in Statistics and Mathematics: Implications for Classroom Arguments

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Research on Reasoning with Data and Statistical Thinking: International Perspectives

Part of the book series: Advances in Mathematics Education ((AME))

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Abstract

Reasoning plays an important role in mathematics and statistics, but the kinds of reasoning used to establish results differ between mathematics and statistics. In general, we see more probabilistic and contextual reasoning in statistics, whereas in algebra and other areas of mathematics, results rely on deductive reasoning, perhaps after inductive or abductive reasoning is used to examine patterns. Secondary school teachers are expected to teach topics from both mathematics and statistics, and they are asked to use collective argumentation in their teaching. It is important for teachers to support their students in making arguments that use appropriate reasoning for the subject in which they are engaged. In this paper, we discuss distinctions between reasoning in statistics and mathematics, use diagrams of argumentation to illustrate these differences in practice, and propose that warrants, rebuttals, and qualifiers are important aspects of distinguishing arguments that involve statistical reasoning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    AnnaMarie Conner

  2. Porter Education Building, Louisville, KY, USA

    Susan A. Peters

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  1. AnnaMarie Conner
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  2. Susan A. Peters
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Correspondence to AnnaMarie Conner .

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  1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Gail F. Burrill

  2. Federal University of Uberlândia, Ituiutaba, Brazil

    Leandro de Oliveria Souza

  3. University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines

    Enriqueta Reston

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Conner, A., Peters, S.A. (2023). Distinctive Aspects of Reasoning in Statistics and Mathematics: Implications for Classroom Arguments. In: Burrill, G.F., de Oliveria Souza, L., Reston, E. (eds) Research on Reasoning with Data and Statistical Thinking: International Perspectives. Advances in Mathematics Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29459-4_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29459-4_20

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