In this research, we conducted a survey on the national assessment test on statistical literacy, to which students were subjected when they were in elementary and junior high school. In addition, we compared the present results of the test with those of the past. Prior studies have pointed out that the scores of the students' understanding of the median and for their critical explanation of material data were low among elementary and junior high school students. However, a similar tendency was also observed in the results of high school students during the present survey.
We also examined the relationship between learning attitudes on statistical literacy and the test results of high school students. It was suggested that students with highly inquiring minds, especially with regard to science and mathematics, were better in critical thinking.These findings suggest that in order to improve statistical data interpretation, it is necessary to conduct learning activities with an emphasis on science and mathematics, which require inquiring minds.
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