Statistics 625: case studies (fall 1997)

This class studies the use of statistics in solving real problems, from the collection of the data, the evaluation and shaping of data sets, the choice of statistical techniques, and the writing of statistical reports.

We will look at six data sets, spending about two weeks on each one. There will be one lecture session and one lab session each week, following the sequence presentation of the problem and data, preliminary exploration of data, student presentation of preliminary results, further analysis and final report. The class will begin with an introduction to the data manipulation language PERL.

PROBLEMS:

PIERCED HEARTS

Whether or not angioplasty on your blocked arteries improves your life

VISIBLE BRAINS

Connecting variations in blood supply in various localities in the brain to observed responses to stimuli.

SENATORS' STRIPES

How senators vote like other senators on some issues, and like yet other senators on other issues.

CHESS TOURNAMENTS

How the U.S. Open chess tournament, based on a careful rating of the skills of the entrants, is truly wasteful in discovering the best player.

SMART ATHLETES

Have the new standards promulgated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association improved the academic performance of college athletes?

SECOND HAND SMOKE

Does it really damage your health?