The Ostensive Role in the Representation of Qualitative Statistics Variables

Abstract The essence of statistics is the possibility of extracting relevant information from data collected on aspects of reality. For this, the data are transformed into tables, graphs, and abstract measures. The student's understanding of these transformations is crucial for learning. In this article, we make theoretical reflections on the actions of students and the role of concrete material manipulated as ostensible in the management and display of qualitative statistics that undergo transformations in different semiotic records. For that, it uses the Theory of Semiotic Representation Records and the Anthropological Theory of Didactics, the latter limited to its perspective of ostensive and non-ostensive objects. The weightings indicate that the use of ostensive is motivating in the context of teaching and learning. Thus, it is expected that the reflections made here will contribute to a better understanding and teaching of statistical concepts, as well as to conducting new research.