Provides an exposure to advanced statistical methods, beyond
regression and analysis of variance, and introduces the
student to a data-analysis experience related to a real
scientific problem. In addition to learning and applying
statistical techniques, effective oral and written
communication of methods and results are emphasized.
Athena Title
Statistical Capstone Course II
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in STAT 5020, STAT 5020S
Non-Traditional Format
This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive,
which means that the course will include substantial and
ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course
learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for
example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and
format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their
academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life.
The written assignments will result in a significant and
diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or
25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant
assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student
writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive
revision.
Prerequisite
STAT 5010 or STAT 5010W and (MATH 3000 or MATH 3300)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will use advanced statistical methods that they have not encountered previously in their major coursework.
Students will adapt statistical methods when underlying assumptions of traditional methods (such as t-tests, ANOVA, and regression) are not met.
Students will recognize and employ ethical standards in statistical practice.
Students will collaborate with a client in order to answer the client’s questions using the client’s data.
Students will work effectively in a group setting toward the common goal of answering the client’s questions.
Students will communicate with the client to explain the statistical tools and results in a way that the client can understand.
Students will present the problem, the statistical methods, and the results in a formal oral presentation, poster presentation, and written consulting-style report.
Topical Outline
This course is a continuation of STAT 5010W. A wide variety of topics can be covered in this capstone course. Since all students will have gone through courses in which they learned the basic methods of regression and ANOVA, instructors can concentrate on other techniques, according to their preferences, the preferences of the class, and the particular projects the students will be working on. Possibilities include: time series analysis, data mining, factor analysis, classification and regression trees, smoothing, bootstrap, and categorical data analysis (contingency tables, loglinear models). The idea is not to go into any one of these topics in- depth and exclusively; rather, we propose covering many different topics over the course of the year, spending at most two or three lectures on each. In addition, the course will include units on effective communication (written and oral) and how to make a poster presentation. The rest of the class periods will be used for student presentations of their data sets and analyses.
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
