Setting the Scene

Introduction to Variables and Types of Evidence

STAT 218

Today’s Outline

• Late Submission Policy

• Extra Credit

• Lab 0 Instructions

• Investigation 1

Late Submission Policy

I do not want class deadlines to cause you extreme stress or anxiety.

• I offer 3 “grace days” – days to turn in the assignment late without a penalty.”

• These can be used ONLY on weekly assignments, lab assignments and investigation assignments (a single group member must be willing to use one of their grace days for the entire group), but NOT exams or the midterm group project.

• These “grace days” can be used all at once on a single assignment or used on separate assignments throughout the quarter. Simply add a comment on the assignment in Canvas BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

• After the expiration of your ‘grace days,’ a 10% grade reduction will be applied for each day that the assignment is overdue.

• Late submissions will not be accepted after one week from the original due date.

• Resubmitting assignments is not allowed.

Extra Credits - Week 1

• 3 short extra credit opportunities - See Canvas
  • Participant Informed Consent
  • Curiosity Pre-test
  • I wonder #1

Installing R for STAT 218

Install R and RStudio

• Install R: Yes, you do need to download and install R even if you have downloaded before. There is a newer version and it is free.

  • Link to install R.

• Install RStudio: Yes, you do need to download and install RStudio even if you have downloaded before. There is a newer version. Download the free Desktop version.

  • Link to install RStudio Desktop.

• After installation, try the following test and contact if you need help.

Is my RStudio working?

If it is not working…

• DO NOT POSTPONE THIS UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY

• In very rare situations, it is not working.

• OR you want to bring your iPad instead of your laptop.

• In these cases, please use the online version of R Studio (again, it is free but you have to sign up with your email address)

  • The link is here

Investigation 1 Glossary

The main terms that we will practice/learn today:

• Data
  

• Data Frame
  

• Observational Unit (case, study subject)
  

• Variable

  • Categorical
    • Binary (if it has 2 sub-groups)
      
  • Quantitative
    

• Anectodal Evidence vs. Empirical Evidence
  

• Observational Study & Experimental Study

• The link for the investigation 1 is here

Cooperative Learning in This Class

1. Jigsaw

• Each student prepares one part

• Teaches it to the group and learns all parts

• Works only if everyone understands the whole task

2. Think–Discuss–Answer

• The group discusses every question together before answering

• Builds shared reasoning and good group habits

⚠️ Reminder: Cooperative learning ≠ splitting the work.

You must discuss, check, and understand each other’s answers.

We may use different formats during the semester, but Think–Discuss–Answer will be used in the first weeks.