The Euclid Statistical Matrix Tool

• Main Authors: Curtis Tilves, Saeed Yekaninejad, Tetsuro Hayashi, Eman Eltahlawy, Eugene Shubnikov, Shalkar Adambekov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2017-06-01
• Series: Central Asian Journal of Global Health
• Subjects: Statistics; Research Methods; Statophobia; Education; Central Asia
• Online Access: http://cajgh.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/cajgh/article/view/283

Stataphobia, a term used to describe the fear of statistics and research methods, can result from a lack of improper training in statistical methods. Poor statistical methods training can have an effect on health policy decision making and may play a role in the low research productivity seen in developing countries. One way to reduce Stataphobia is to intervene in the teaching of statistics in the classroom; however, such an intervention must tackle several obstacles, including student interest in the material, multiple ways of learning materials, and language barriers. We present here the Euclid Statistical Matrix, a tool for combatting Stataphobia on a global scale. This free tool is comprised of popular statistical YouTube channels and web sources that teach and demonstrate statistical concepts in a variety of presentation methods. Working with international teams in Iran, Japan, Egypt, Russia, and the United States, we have also developed the Statistical Matrix in multiple languages to address language barriers to learning statistics. By utilizing already-established large networks, we are able to disseminate our tool to thousands of Farsi-speaking university faculty and students in Iran and the United States. Future dissemination of the Euclid Statistical Matrix throughout the Central Asia and support from local universities may help to combat low research productivity in this region.