Analytical chemistry is an area of chemistry that provides essential knowledge and skills to those who will eventually enter the workforce. Basic analytical chemistry concepts involve accurate and precise measurements, applied statistics, proper laboratory instrumentation, and both quantitative and qualitative analysis. These skills are essential to any chemistry student, but research is limited in this area. The research conducted focused on students’ difficulties understanding and applying statistical analysis and measurements in chemistry. Students’ understanding of measurement and statistics as applied to chemistry were examined twice throughout a semester using a pre/post assessment. This assessment consists of multiple choice and open-ended questions, and it was administered to students enroll in the analytical chemistry lecture and lab. Think-aloud interviews were conducted to clarify the data collected from the assessments. The findings of this study will highlight students’ difficulties to master basic foundational concepts found in analytical chemistry. Implications for researchers and educators will be discussed including possible interventions to help better equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.

Exploring students’ difficulties with statistics and measurement in analytical chemistry

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.