A computer-based lab supplement to courses in introductory statistics

The computer continues to assume a role of increased importance in universi ty education, and professors must determine appropriate means for its integ ration into the curriculum. This article describes the incorporation of a s tudio lab component into undergraduate courses in introductory statistics. We detail the objectives of these courses and describe the motivations, gen eral structure, and main features of our approach. The labs typically invol ve a two-step frequentist approach where a simple hands-on experiment is pe rformed that is subsequently replicated using the computer. We describe in detail two labs that typify the main features of our approach, and discuss the flexibility of the labs with regard to the target audience. A discussio n of our perception of their impact on student learning is given, along wit h some comments on alternative modes of delivery.