1. Stat 217 - Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods
Introductions

2. 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)

3. 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)

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

6. Office Hours

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

8. Research studies

9. 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

10. Six-Step Method

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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).

14. 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.

15. 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!