Detective-P: Educational Computer Game for Teaching the Concept of P-Value

• Activity Number: 408 - SPAAC Poster Competition
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, July 31, 2018 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee
• Author(s): Maria Jimena Ruiz Rivera*
• Companies: School of Statistics, University of Costa Rica
• Keywords: p-value; error type l; hypothesis testing; regression model; confidence intervals

Abstract

Detective-P is an educational computer game developed using the RPG Maker program. The game pretends to reinforce learning of statistical analysis concepts in people with basic knowledge in the area. Concepts such as p-value, standard error, and error type I, are strengthened during the course of the game. It follows a detective's performance in his task of finding the person responsible for a bank robbery. The tips for solving the case are obtained from variables shown in the video camera recordings and blood samples. To finalize the game the player has to evaluate several hypothesis tests, estimate a variable through a regression model and recognize situations where might be necessary to calculate confidence intervals. Applying detailed concepts, the game will finalize successfully by selecting the true culprit amongst a list of suspects.

Fabián Parra Parra, Maria Jimena Ruiz Rivera*, Johan Fonseca Rivera Escuela de Estadística, Universidad de Costa Rica *Contac Author: [e-mail] [phone]