Stat 217 - Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods Introductions

Syllabus Notes Tuesdays and Thursday will meet in computer lab in library (111B) Working with (different?) partner Expected to complete work outside of class Submission next Thursday/Tuesday Materials Handouts in class, Lab assignments Electronic textbook (eBook or pdf) Practice problems in PolyLearn (multiple choice, video, what went wrong)

Syllabus Notes, cont. Graded work In Class Activities Weekly lab assignments (with partner) Pre-lab assignments (based on reading) Start in lab and finish outside of class Weekly investigations (with partner) Quizzes (Mondays) Based on previous week’s material including feedback Two exams, cumulative final (Thursday, 1pm)

Syllabus Notes, cont. Getting help Office hours Email (me, course listserv) Discussion Boards in PolyLearn Stat Club free tutoring Stat 217 Study Group (my.calpoly)

Office Hours

Stat 217 – Why and How Data-based decision making Breaking Bad Should I read one more chapter or go to sleep? Breaking Bad Volleyball

Research studies

Six-Step Method Step 1: Ask a research question People who lose sleep tend to eat more – Why? Is there a connection with brain activity? Step 2: Design a study and collect data Recruited 23 healthy men and women and assigned them to get normal sleep (~ 8 hours) or stay awake through the night. In the morning were shown images of healthy foods and junk foods and measured brain activity

Six-Step Method

Six-Step Method Step 1: Ask a research question Do different types of naps have different benefits? 10-20 minute power nap 60 minute nap 90 minute nap (full cycle of sleep) Step 2: Design a study and collect data Tested 24 participants at several intervals (30 seconds to 30 minutes) After each nap, attempted mental processing task

Six-Step Method 2006 study 2012 study 10 minute nappers showed improved “sharpness” for about 2.5 hours 20-30 min nappers were groggy for about 30 minutes 2012 study Taught 36 college students a memory task (pairing words on a screen with a sound) 10 min and 60 min nappers performed much better than non-nappers, with much improvement by 60 min nappers one week later

Definitions Observational unit = the person or thing being measured Example: nappers Variable = any characteristic of a person or thing that can be assigned a number or category Example: Length of nap Variables can be classified as categorical (a group designation) or quantitative (meaningful numerical value).

To Turn In With Partner, on a separate piece of paper, with 2 names For each research question Identify the observational units Identify the variable(s) Classify each variable as quantitative or categorical. Clarify any assumptions you have to make.

To Do Read Section P.1 First pre-lab assignment Log in to PolyLearn Click on Pre-lab 0 Answer question and submit In general: Review feedback before beginning lab (Special case this week: not based on reading, no feedback) Complete (two) course surveys Meet in Library!