Statistical Consulting (SL_122)
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of this study course is to introduce students with various skills necessary to be an effective statistical consultant. Such skills include communication of technical statistical concepts to non-statisticians, collaboration with other researchers, turning a research question into a statistical problem, managing the process of consultation and delivery of results according to technical background of the client, and others. Software tools that can help to communicate results better are demonstrated in the course. A general overview of statistical methods and the context of their application is provided to encourage students to develop their own methods-roadmap that can help in presenting potentially relevant methods to the client. Common misconceptions and misuses of statistics as well as some ethical considerations are discussed.
Prerequisites
• Students should have good knowledge of statistics – commonly used concepts, methods and models.
• R software.
Learning outcomes
• Explains the main steps and good practices of the statistical consulting process.
• Understands the role of a statistical consultant in interdisciplinary research.
• Is aware of the most common mistakes made when applying statistical methods.
• Classifies different research designs, data collection methods and corresponding statistical methods.
• Selects the main statistical methods for solving problems of different type.
• Defines R code syntax and packages for frequently used statistical tests and models.
• Communicates statistical concepts and methods (and misuse of them) with clients of different backgrounds.
• Processes independently and transforms data for analysis.
• Chooses and implements the most appropriate statistical method for the given data and problem.
• Develops the final report and presentation using R Markdown functionality.
• Prepares interactive R application to communicate results using R Shiny, can present the results in writing and orally to both industry professionals and non-specialists.
On successful course completion students should be able to take part in consulting process and obtain necessary information from the client to evaluate the possibility of collaboration. Students can describe steps necessary to perform analysis to the client, give overview of the corresponding methodology and outline the potential outcomes. Students are prepared to manage their work and issues during the consulting process (possibly under some supervision) to support reliable and scientific research.
