How difficult is education research for students who have never used statistics?
Education research can be challenging for students who have never studied statistics, but it is not necessarily inaccessible. Courses may introduce concepts such as variables, averages, sampling, graphs, and interpreting research findings from the beginning. Progress depends on the course and your preparation, and regular practice or academic support can make the quantitative work more manageable.
Key points
- Some education research courses also cover qualitative methods, such as interviews, observations, and thematic analysis.
- You may need to interpret statistical results without doing advanced calculations, although requirements differ.
- Reviewing basic numeracy and asking about tutorials, study support, and assessment methods can help you prepare.
Things to check
- The level of statistics, software use, and assumed prior knowledge varies by university, programme, and module, so check the official course description and module information.