STATISTICAL LITERACY AS A COMPONENT OF RESEARCH COMPETENCE IN THE EDUCATION OF MASTER’S STUDENTS IN PHARMACY

Abstract

The aim of the study is to provide a theoretical rationale for the essence of statistical literacy as a keycomponent of research competence in future Master’s students in pharmacy, as well as to analyze the educationalconditions and pedagogical approaches that contribute to its effective development during professional training.The research methods include analysis of scientific literature, data comparison, systematization and logicalgeneralization of information.Results. Statistical literacy is an essential component in the training of future pharmacists, as it ensurestheir ability to adequately analyze, interpret and critically evaluate research results in pharmaceutical practiceand science. The development of statistical literacy involves several levels, including the informal (intuitivepersonallevel) of understanding statistical concepts, the sequential non-critical level, the initial critical leveland the high level of critical thinking with comprehensive data analysis. Each stage of the development of statistical literacy has its own characteristics and corresponds to specific educational approaches ‒ rangingfrom basic lectures and practical exercises to case studies, project activities, mentoring support and work withreal statistical data. The approaches to the gradual formation of statistical literacy in pharmacy education havebeen summarized, involving the progressive complication of educational material, expansion of active studentengagement forms, as well as the use of modern software for data analysis.Conclusions. Statistical literacy involves not only the acquisition of instrumental knowledge but alsothe development of analytical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for the professional activityof a pharmacist in the modern scientific and informational environment. The article presents a structural modelof the multi-stage formation of statistical literacy in pharmaceutical education ‒ from the intuitive-personal tothe advanced critical stage. The proposed typology of educational approaches to the development of statisticalliteracy corresponds to these stages and may serve as a foundation for pedagogical design of the contentand teaching methods aimed at supporting the development of research competence in future Master’s studentsof pharmacy.