is statistics hard

(Anyone who had an advisor like that should consider themselves lucky). At a certain point in statistics, you will learn about models and model selection. Data analysts (and house builders) need practical support as they learn. What should I do? Its almost not math. Concrete thinkers do best when they work with tangible things. Tell yourself statistics is easy, and it's easy! 1 decade ago. His house was being built on a hill. More common are advisors who tell their students which statistics classes to take (again, if they’re lucky) then send them off to analyze data. IMO, there is a LOT of bad statistics teaching out there, which doesn't help. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You “nailed” it. I try to find six (though with some of the relatively new areas you may not have so much choice -- you may be lucky to get two), and then cull that down to a couple of good ones. I studied chemical engineering, and I was comfortable with other subjects like thermodynamics and calculus. Moreover it says that all your intuitions are wrong, and you have to let statistics do your thinking for you. If not, why not? But it also requires the ability to use the tools, and the practical skills to implement the techniques. All rights reserved. I’d also like to add one point. Perhaps there is a manner of explaining the concepts that will 'click' with how you learn. You can do this with the right support. After all, I am a son of a “master carpenter”. Statistical Consulting, Resources, and Statistics Workshops for Researchers. (4th Edition) Start with the simplest cases (like three group one-way anova), deal with the various kinds of multiple comparison there and work through to more complicated cases in small steps. And if you get as far as the beta distribution, David Robinson has a wonderful introduction to it on his blog, Variance Explained. If you're a mere mortal like the rest of us, most things will be hard on the first swing. Statistics is very practical because it allows you to make a decision. When I can't understand something in statistics, it helps me to look at the theory behind a particular method and understand why it works (unless that's what you're having problems with). Yes, statistics is difficult. They are lost because like carpentry, statistical analysis is an applied skill, a craft. It was hard to keep it all straight. What do I want to do with my data? There are probably many myths about statistics, but there is one that I believe leads to the most frustration in researchers (and students) as they attempt to learn and apply statistics. Having knowledge about statistics is the only thing necessary to practice statistics. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We can see that this project was a silly one to tackle, yet all the time we think it’s our fault that we have trouble with statistical analysis after taking a few classes. Below is an introduction to some of the main topics throughout statistics. Me too, only with 2nd year stats. They have always been taught as if they were "standard" maths... but they are not. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you need professional help with a statistics project? They are not lost because statistics is beyond their capabilities. My teacher taught college algebra as well as statistics, he said "You'll never use 90% of the stuff you learn in an algebra class, you will use everything you learn in this class." Prev; 1; 2; 3; Next; I am starting my ADN program this Fall. Would this be a good alternative? Students Pre-Nursing. And I understood this in my last year of MSc, when we started talking about data, models and answers. Subhendu. I never liked probability and statistics before my first year of MSc. Your example demonstrated your zeal to bring real world considerations into the abstract world of statistics. Posted May 31, 2006. soko2002. When you start your own work and analyzing data, then you better understand that how to apply and where to apply statistics formula. There was a lot of new jargon: trusses, plumb walls, 16” on center, cripple studs. Why would anyone ever need a header anyway? In class we use dummy data which usually deviates from the reality experienced with live data. The courses never mentioned anything but 90 degree angles. The frustration in learning how to apply happens when people think the knowledge is all one needs. I was wondering, how hard is a Statistics math class? But wait. He had his land, his plan, his tools, his sacks of concrete, windows, lumber, and nails. I'm supposed to see my supervisor later this week and I just feel so inadequate and useless and stupid having to tell him that I've made no progress so far. If you want an example, take a look at the Wikipedia entry for the F distribution. Try speaking the English language without knowing the words. Statistics is the study of numerical information, called data. Folks like Fisher et al. Statistics is not hard as a subject cause statistics is matter of science and logic. Whatever the case may be, just be honest with your professors and your supervisor about where you're at and where you need to improve, things will work out just fine. But he made it through with a B+. I really liked your answer but I am confused, I will be doing a bsc in statistics but how and where I should start applying it. 40% of students said yes, it is very hard. ; Excerpt: We are NOT allowed to say, “Because of these data, there is only … But most data analysts feel a bit lost. I find probability and statistics to be even more difficult than "standard" math.The reason is that in math you need to think about absolute truths and to use them to find proofs for theorems which lead to other absolute truths. Khotso, that’s great! I have another query, please someone help. Please note that, due to the large number of comments submitted, any questions on problems related to a personal study/project. The link points to an infamous poster created by a frustrated researcher who wanted to make a point to his colleagues about multiple comparison pitfalls in their field. And he was supposed to move into the house in 4 months when his lease ran out. Most people don’t really learn statistics until they start analyzing data in their own research. Even with the plans in front of him, there were so many decisions to make, so many new skills to learn. What does it mean that this treatment has no effect? Can you describe mathematically what "mean" signifies? The best way to do it is to start analyzing data. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I struggle with parts of statistics myself; one rule I have is "read more than one book". So if you’re stuck on something in statistics, give yourself a break. a death sentence and why we got a … Multiple comparisons are hard, sometimes, even for professional researchers. I was in AP stat. Well done! Yes, it makes those classes tough. There are a number of volunteer organizations, like Statistics without Borders and Peace-Work who are always looking for volunteers.