Mater Research Support Centre Statistics Course 2006 Introductory Talk

1. Mater Research Support CentreStatistics Course 2006Introductory Talk

2. Today’s talk • Course description • Content management • Technical issues

3. Course description 1 • Who is the course for • Statistics beginners • Clinicians with an interest in quantitative research • Research assistants involved in data collection and analysis • Does not cover advanced or specialised areas • Multi-dimensional models in laboratory and agricultural research • Multi-variate models in social research • Level of skill • High school algebra (square root, integration) • Able to surf web pages and access internet • Resources needed • Computer with an Internet connection • Enthusiasm and perseverance

4. Course description 2 • What will the course cover • Research fundamentals • What is research, how to ask a research question • Data management • Basic statistical theory • Probability, Normal distribution, Standard Error • Type I and Type II error, statistical significance • Statistical procedures • Comparison between two groups using confidence intervals • Simple correlation and regression • Prediction statistics • Sample size calculations • Randomisation • Simple statistical graphics (Forest Chart)

5. Course description 3Overall structure of the course

6. Course description 3 • Duration • Begins with the orientation session 10th August 2006 • Ends with the last contact session 2nd November 2006 • Formal contact sessions • Orientation session • 5 x 3 hrs of lecture and discussions • Self study and personal contacts • Resource materials on web site • FAQ page • Email contact with course coordinator and tutors

7. Course description 3aThe lecture component

8. Course description 3a • The lecture component • All sessions are on Thursdays 1600-1900, in conference room 3 & 4 MAH • 7th Sept : 2 sub-sessions • Fundamentals of research • Probability, normal distribution, standard errors, confidence intervals • 21st Sep : differences between two groups • 5th Oct : statistical significance and sample size • 19th Oct : 2 sub-sessions • Simple correlation and regression • Prediction statistics • 2nd Nov : two sub-sessions • Data management and randomisation • General discussions, feedback

9. Course description 3bThe self study component

10. Course description 3b • Self study and electronic communication • Between 10th August and 2nd November • Web based content • FAQ • Email communication (addresses on home page and notice board) • Course coordinator : Sharon Egan • Course Director : Allan Chang • Statistician : Scott Pain • Research fundamentals : Vicki Flenady • Data management : Sue Jenkins-Manning

11. Course description 4 • Problems with learning statistics • Convoluted mathematical thinking • Much of the theory produced by mathematicians using their own format of expression • The need for mathematical “proof” • Specialised terminology • Linking abstract mathematical concepts with concrete and practical research problems • To learn statistics • Repeated exposure to the same contents • Understand the theories and be familiar with the jargons • Do many exercises • Discuss problems with tutors

12. Course description 5 • Multi-dimensional teaching : all components important • Web page contents • Email correspondence with tutors • FAQ • Lecture discussion sessions • Just attending the lectures is insufficient • Without previous reading, the lectures will be confusing • No idea what is already learnt, and what is new • No idea what questions to ask • Even if lecture can be followed, little is retained because it is too abstract • Recommended • Do as much self study as possible, using the resource materials • Contact tutors if help needed • Consult the FAQ • Go to the lectures prepared, ask questions • After the lecture, go over the materials again • Contact tutors again if needed

13. Today’s talk • Course description • Content management • Technical issues

14. Content management 1 • Web site • url is www.materrsc.org/course/home.html • Username is stat • Password is mrscsc2006 • Note : username and passwords are all in lower case • Important pages • Home page : all other pages are linked to home page • Notice board : show all updates, changes to content • FAQ : additional questions and answers

15. Content management 2 • Download of contents to your computer • Each page can be saved onto your computer • Programs are java applets in a subfolder applets • Graphics are gif files in a subfolder pics • All contents are in a file called statcourse2006.zip • Course home page contains a link to the zip file • You will need winzip or similar program to unzip the files • Updates and changes • The notice board will record any changes to the contents • Bottom left corner of each page will have version number and date of last change

16. Content management 3 • Tour of the web site • url, username, password • The use of hidden contents • The use of computer programs on applets • The use of ctrl + c for copy and ctrl + v for paste • Home page • Links to other pages • Contact sessions • Course coordinator and tutors • Notice board : architecture • FAQ : how to use

17. Today’s talk • Course description • Content management • Technical issues

18. Technical issues • Dynamic pages uses Javascript • Computer programs uses JAVA applets • JAVA and scripts are blocked if the computer is set to above medium security • JAVA applets need the JAVA Runtime Machine (JRM) installed in your computer to run • All Mater computers have JRM installed • All UNIX, Mac and Linux have JRM installed • All Windows up to 2 years ago have JRM installed • Some versions of Windows XP do not have JRM • Instructions on how to install JRM are on the course home page