Statistical Methods Assignment: Beanstack Reading Data
Related Learning Outcome
IV.a. Students will describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science.
Artifact Overview
This assignment applies statistical reasoning to real school media center data from Kenly Elementary’s Beanstack “Detailed Reader Report.” The project focuses on the relationship between grade level and logged reading minutes during October 2025, asking whether younger students show higher recorded reading minutes because teachers often log minutes for them, while intermediate students are expected to log independently. The assignment identifies grade level as a categorical variable and logged minutes as a continuous variable, then proposes descriptive statistics and ANOVA as appropriate methods for analysis.
I selected this artifact for Outcome IV.a because it demonstrates how quantitative methods can be applied to everyday library practice. The assignment connects statistical concepts to a practical question about reading engagement, data accuracy, and grade-level participation. It also reflects the ethical handling of school data by noting that identifying information was removed to protect student privacy. This artifact is useful because it shows that research methods are not limited to formal academic studies; they can also support practical, data-informed decisions in a school library setting.