Why do we need statistics?
Objective
To discuss how we can acquire and summarize data. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to
discuss why scientists need statistics
define statistics
understand the structure of the course
discuss what sampling is (and how it relates to statistics)
discuss what makes a good sample
define bias and provide examples of sampling schemes that may lead to it
provide examples of how data can be numerically and visually summarized and discuss best practices for these deciding on how specific data sets should be summarized
- Note you don’t have to “make” the graphs or produce the calculations! We’ll do those in later sessions - focus on the concepts for now
Background reading
Course notes links for background reading also contain code used to produce R output used in slides.