STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data – Semester 2 2024Statistics

Java Python STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data – Semester 2, 2024

Research Project Guidelines

Overview

This assessment is due at 4pm on Friday, October 18th and is worth 20% to your final grade.

Getting Started

The aim of the Research Project is for you to demonstrate your understanding of the study designs and statistical methodologies that you have learnt during the course, including the use    of R. You will design a study, carry it out with subjects from The Islands to collect your data, and  then analyse the results and communicate them in the form. of a presentation, as would be given at ascientific conference.

Your study design should involve one response variable and at least two explanatory variables. Other than that, you have the freedom to investigate any topic of interest that can be addressed using The Islands.

You will find a guide to “Using the Islands for Research Projects” at the Visitor Center on The Islands (just south of Arcadia). This gives some practical tips for how to design and carryout your project. You can also find some examples of past projects done by studentsatUQ and elsewhere by visiting The Academy on The Islands (south of Bjurholm).

There is no need to perform. a pilot study or power analysis to estimate the required sample size for your study. Instead, the minimum sample sizes for experimental and observational studies should be 24 and 48,respectively.

You will have the opportunity to get feedback and refine your study in Workshop 7 (Week 9).

Working in Groups

It is not compulsory to join a group for the project, but it is encouraged. There area lot of things to do on the Islands and, just as in the real world, a team can usually achieve more than an individual in terms of scope. Groups of up to three students are allowed, registered through Blackboard.

All members of a group will receive the same mark for the presentation. Groups must be formed using the Blackboard tool by 4pm on Monday, October 14th.

Preparing Your Video Presentation

The template for your presentation will be available on Blackboard at the start of Week 8. You can find useful guidelines for preparing and giving a scientific presentation at ‘CLIPS for University’ (www.clips.edu.au/presentations).

See Blackboard for instructions about creating and uploading a video of your presentation. The video submission will open at 5pm on Monday, October 14th.

Use of Generative AI

You are welcome to use ChatGPT or similar tools to help you in designing an interesting study for this project (addressing Criteria 1 & 2 below) and we will give examples of how to do this in Workshop 8. However, you are expected to complete all the data analysis and interpretation yourself (Criteria 3 – 6), since these are important skills that you will need for the Final Exam.

Research Project Grading Criteria and Standards

The project will be marked against the following criteria, each with a given weighting:

1. Introduction (15%)

a.    Identifies and discusses the aims of the study.

b.    Explains why the study is interesting.

2. Study Methods (30%)

a.    Identifies whether study is experimental or observational.

b.    Target population(s) is well defined and appropriate for the aims.

c.    Sample size meets minimum requirement and sampleselection is clearly and fully explained, including how the sample is representative.

d.    Provides an accurate and thorough description of the variables and how data was collected.

e.    Provides clear description of statistical test to be used in the analysis and why it is appropriate.

3. Data Description (15%)

a.    Briefly and accurately describes the key features of the sample data using figures.

b.    Uses R to create figures.

c.    Uses statistics to clearly and concisely summarise the data.

4. Results (10%)

a.    Correctly uses statistical tests to obtain results.

b.    The results are accurately interpreted.

c.    Assumptions of statistical tests are clearly and fully described.

5. Conclusion and Discussion (10%)

a.    The findings of the study are summarised correctly and appropriately in relation to the study aims.

b.    A discussion of the findings is provided, highlighting any limitations.

6. Slides, Structure, Prese STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data – Semester 2, 2024Statistics nters and Length (20%)

a.    The presentation effectively establishes and maintains a formal style.

b.    The presentation is well organised and easy to follow.

c.    The slides use the template and are clear and effective.

d.    The presentation makes appropriate use of statistical terminology.

e.    The presentation is between 5 and 7 minutes in length.

f.     All group members are introduced on camera and make an active contribution during the presentation.

Each of these criteria is assessed against the standards shown on the following page.

Standard	Description
Excellent 85 – 100	All items are addressed comprehensively with a very high level of skill and insight, and with appropriate attention to detail.
Good 75 – 84	All items are addressed with a least a proficient level of skill and insight (one or two items might be addressed at a higher level) and with appropriate attention to detail (there may be some minor errors and/or omissions).
Proficient 65 – 74	All items are addressed at least competently, with a sound level of skill and some critical insights (one or two items might be addressed at a higher level). There are some errors and/or omissions.
Adequate 50 – 64	Most items are covered to at least a basic level (one or two items might be addressed at a higher level). There are numerous errors and/or omissions.
Inadequate < 50	A number of items are not met at a basic level. There are many errors and/or omissions