Statistics-peer-day

This is the page for the 3 day UIU statistics peer day lead by Steven Sowma and Charlie Peck. For more information send email to charliep at cs dot earlham dot edu or sowmasm at email dot uc dot edu

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Description and Objectives

In terms of registration the activities merit 3 Peer Days (please submit the appropriate paperwork individually for each Peer Day). In practice, each registered Peer Day will take place over three days online, for a total nine sequential days (each learner is expected to engage in roughly three hours of activity and learner and/or Website interactions per day). The intent of this Peer Day sequence is to provide learners with a better understanding of how to conduct scientific research, including the supporting theory, applied research designs, and analysis via statistical software. This will be accomplished through readings and by the development of simple empirical research proposals by the learner attendees. It is assumed that most learners will use their own research (i.e. PDE’s, personal research, etc...) as the impetus for the activity, but the conveners will work with learners from non-empirical areas of study (i.e. Art or History) to create hypothetical studies for the Peer Days. The first six days will transition from the basic theory behind classical testing to research design, and quantitative analysis. The last three days will focus on the learner submitted research proposals. Please note that the two conveners will each play specific roles. Steven will primarily handle the theory and transition to applied research design and analysis. Charley will primarily handle the use of software to analyze your data sets, software/technical concerns, and maintenance and use of the dedicated peer day Website. Learning will come from a culmination of the readings, group interactions and feedback, proposal development and feedback, and the hands-on learning of analytical software.

Readings

One text is required for the Peer Days. The remaining related textbooks are optional; two are commonly used in Union research seminars. Please select optional texts that are pertinent to your particular interests and needs. The required text, “Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation”, was selected for a number of reasons. Ignore the “Marketing” purview. This book is one of few that cover research from beginning to end while using a variety behavioral, business, and other research perspectives that are easy to read and understand. Moreover, this book includes a free and easy to use analytical software CD (SPSS student edition) that is widely accepted by scientists in virtually all areas of research. Finally, please note that one of two book editions can be used (4th or 5th ed.) for the required reading. Both editions are almost identical except for cost and software trade-offs. The 4th edition included software (version 11) is an earlier version that can be used in perpetuity (i.e. doesn’t expire), whereas the 5th edition software (version 14) has more built in help support, but expires after one year of use. The 4th edition is much cheaper.

Documents

• File:Stats-description.doc Description (MSWord document)
• File:Stats-plan.doc Plan (MSWord document)