The design and evaluation of link: A computer-based learning system for correlation

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a computer-assisted learn ing program called Link, which was designed to be used by psychology studen ts to review their understanding of correlation. Unlike existing computer-a ssisted learning programs that were reviewed, Link makes use of data from a uthentic research studies in psychology and provides learner activities tha t are specifically designed to address students' misconceptions about corre lation. A summative evaluation study of Link involving fifty psychology stu dents was carried out to assess the effect on students' understanding of co rrelation. It was found that the use of Link significantly contributed to s tudents' general understanding of correlation. However, it was found that s tudents use of paper-based instructional materials could also achieve this. The implication of this research outcome is considered in relation to the design and use of computer-assisted learning applications for statistics in higher education.