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I agree that algebra in and of itself is not particularly useful. However, an in-depth understanding of statistics is vital to basic scientific literacy and mos
by simonster 14y ago
I agree that algebra in and of itself is not particularly useful. However, an in-depth understanding of statistics is vital to basic scientific literacy and most certainly "leads to more credible political opinions or social analysis. I've often wondered why high schools don't place a bigger emphasis on statistics, but I'm not sure if you can teach basic statistics without algebra (or calculus).
- Steuard 14y agoMost basic statistics classes that I've seen don't require calculus. My wife (who's taught stats in college many times) claims that they don't really use algebra all that much, either (you aren't generally solving quadratics or anything), but they certainly require the comfort with complicated symbols and formulas that algebra classes teach. Have a look at the TED talk linked in my top-level comment for an argument along the lines of what you're making here.