An introductory statistics class and examination using SPSS/PC

SPSS/PC was integrated into lecture and an examination in introductory statistics. Students were given an anonymous questionnaire after a traditional examination and again after an examination with SPSS/PC. They wanted more theory and derivation and were ambivalent about SPSS/PC in lecture. The computer test decreased computational error fears. Students preferred the more realistic questions which the computer permitted. Test performance was not significantly different. The results suggest that statistical packages should be used in later courses rather than in introductory statistics.