Understanding the World with Data

STAT 20: Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Agenda

1. Introductions
2. Data Science Lifecycle
• What’s going on here?
3. Why we’re here
• Types of Claims
• Data First vs Question First
4. Course Structure
• Flipped Classroom
• Ed Discussion Forum
• Syllabus

Introductions

• In groups of 3, take turns introducing yourselves to one another by providing the info listed on the handout (your name, hometown, etc).

• Each person should finish with a handout filled-in with info on their groupmates.

05:00

The Data Science Lifecycle

What’s going on here?

• As a group, formulate at least three possible explanations for what’s going on in the picture.
• Enter them at pollev.com or upvote existing explanations if they are very similar to your own.
05:00

Does this image change which claims are more or less likely?

Up and down vote explanations at pollev.com. /

Understand
the World

Data

Understand
the World

Data

Why we’re here

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

To learn to critique and construct

From Questions to Data

Is the incidence of COVID on campus going up or down?

Will this question be answered by a summary, a prediction, a generalization, or a causal claim?

Also discuss: what type of data can help answer this question? Consider:

• Which different people / institutions collect relevant data
• Is certain data not available? Why not?
06:00

From Data to Claims

One source of data:

“The following dashboard provides information on COVID-19 testing performed at University Health Services or through the PCR Home Test Vending Machines on campus. It does not capture self-reported positive tests. It provides a look at new cases and trends, at a glance.”

Formulate one claim that is supported by this data1.

03:00

Course Structure

• Work through questions solo / in groups / as a class
• Make progress on assignments

All of the materials and links for the course can be found at:

www.stat20.org

Syllabus

Take 4 minutes to read through the syllabus and jot down at least one question that you have.

04:00