Chapter 13: Comparing Two Samples

For this week you should read all of Chapter 13 of the textbook. When you read the text that involves running R script you are expected to run the code by yourself on your computer, in parallel to reading it in the textbook, and compare what you get with the output presented in the textbook.

Part 1

Statistics has an important role in the analysis of data. However, some claim that the more important role of statistics is in the design stage when one decides how to collect the data. Good design may improve the chances that the eventual inference of the data will lead to a meaningful and trustworthy conclusion.

In many situations different types of measurements can be used in order to investigate a scientific problem. Frequently, one may chose between a more accurate but more expensive method of measurement and between a cheaper and less accurate one. For a given budget, choosing to use the first method means that less measurements will be collected.

Some say that the quantity of data that is collected is most important. Other say that the quality of the data is more important than the quantity. What is your opinion?

When formulating your answer it may be useful to come up with an example from your past experience where the quantity of data was not sufficient. Else, you can describe a case where the quality of the data was less than satisfactory. How did these deficiencies affected the validity of the conclusions of the analysis of the data?

part 2

The Learning Journal should be updated regularly (on a weekly basis), as the learning journals will be assessed by your instructor as part of your Final Grade.

Your learning journal entry must be a reflective statement that considers the following questions:

1. Describe what you did. This does not mean that you copy and paste from what you have posted or the assignments you have prepared. You need to describe what you did and how you did it.

2. Describe your reactions to what you did.

3. Describe any feedback you received or any specific interactions you had. Discuss how they were helpful.

4. Describe your feelings and attitudes.

5. Describe what you learned.

Another set of questions to consider in your learning journal statement include:

1. What surprised me or caused me to wonder?

2. What happened that felt particularly challenging? Why was it challenging to me?

3. What skills and knowledge do I recognize that I am gaining?

4. What am I realizing about myself as a learner?

5. In what ways am I able to apply the ideas and concepts gained to my own experience?

Finally, describe one important thing that you are thinking about in relation to the activity.

Your Learning Journal should be a minimum of 500 words.