Guided Labs That Introduce Statistical Techniques Used in Research From Multiple Disciplines

Abstract

Investigative laboratory modules (labs) can introduce undergraduates to relatively advanced statistical methods from a variety of disciplines. The labs described in this article encourage students early in their undergraduate studies to experience the role of a research scientist and to understand how statistics help advance scientific knowledge. By making students grapple with intriguing real-world problems that demonstrate the intellectual content and broad applicability of statistics as a discipline, these labs encourage students to consider a career in statistics or to incorporate statistical thinking into any career. These materials offer many potential uses: they can be combined to form a second statistics course; they can be incorporated as a final project in an introductory statistics course; or they can be used individually to demonstrate to students and researchers in other disciplines how statisticians approach the scientific process.

Keywords:  :

• Guided interdisciplinary research projects