Assessment of Statistical Literacy and Awareness Among Technology Undergraduates at Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Abstract

A scientific-based approach based on data-driven decision making and empirical studies is an essential characteristic of today’s applied science and technology subjects. This empirical research aims to investigate the current status of statistical awareness, literacy and the software application skill of the undergraduate students studying in the Faculty of Technology at Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). In this university, only those students enrolled to the course of Biosystems Technology (BST) form the academic student body. A stratified random sample technique is employed to collect the data from 120 BST undergraduates. Three main areas of statistical competence were investigated including the conceptual knowledge of statistics, software application and the application in the context of biosystems such as precision agriculture, food technology, environmental technology and bio-energy.