Statistical Experience

Statistics and Data Science are huge and growing disciplines and we can’t cover everything in class. This statistical experiences assignment gives you a chance to engage with the statistics community outside of the classroom and reflect on your experience.

There is one statistical experiences in STA 199 this semester. It will be due on Wednesday, April 14 at 11:59 PM. We will not meet as as class on Monday April 5 so you have time dedicated to work on this experience.

Each experience has two parts. Both must be completed to receive credit.

Part 1: Have a statistical experience

Complete an activity from one of the categories below. Under each category there are a few suggestions but note you are not restricted to one of these. If you are interested in another activity please email me for approval.

Category 1: Attend a (virtual) talk or conference

Attend an online talk, panel, or conference related to statistics or data science. If you are attending a single talk or panel, it must be at least 40 minutes to count towards the statistics experience. It should also be one that covers something beyond what we have discussed in the class.

Category 2: Talk with a statistician / data scientist

Talk with someone other than the instructor who uses statistics in their daily work. This could include a professional statistician or data scientist, researcher, graduate student, etc.

Your conversation may be flexible but please carefully write a list of questions and discussion topics tailored to the individual’s background. Do research on the individual’s field, company, education, etc. Come prepared!

Category 3: Listen to a podcast

Listen to a podcast about statistics and data science. The podcast must be at least 40 minutes long to count towards the statistics experience. A few suggestions are below:

Category 4: Participate in a statistics/data science competition

Participate in a statistics or data science competition. You can participate individually or with a team. Information for an upcoming data challenge is linked below.

Category 5: Read a book on statistics/data science

There are a lot of books about statistics, data science, and related topics. A few suggestions are below. Many of these books are available through the Duke library.

Part 2: Reflect on your experience

Write a one page reflection. Briefly summarize your experience and consider the following questions:

Submission

Submit your personal reflection as a PDF under the appropriate Statistical Experiences assignment on Gradescope by Wednesday April 14 at 11:59 PM.