Exploratory Data Analysis

Exploratory Data Analysis is essential for understanding your data and a necessary step prior to any testing or modeling. You will learn insightful graphical and numerical techniques for investigating important aspects of your data such as relationships between variables and unusual observations.  More specifically you will learn about:

• exploring categorical data using contingency tables and side-by-side bar charts
• exploring numerical data using histograms, box plots, density plots, scatterplots and 3 variable plots
• various useful measures of centre, spread and shape for describing data and how to choose between them
• identifying and handling outliers.

This is the 2nd webinar in a 3-part series focused on understanding your data. Other workshops in this series

• Jan 19, Study Design and Data Collection Essentials    
• Feb 2, Two group comparisons and ANOVA

Fundamentals of Statistics Series – Understanding Your Data

This webinar series was made possible via joint collaboration between Applied Statistics and Data Science Group and Graduate Pathways for Success Program, funded by the Graduate Pathways for Success Program. Alleviate your data stress! Join us for a webinar series on statistics foundational concepts!

Why attend?
Statistics is a scientific discipline that enables reaching meaningful conclusions from data, it is not just about numbers. To produce reliable results, you need to justify the choice of the applied statistical methods and models, as well as validate the underlying assumptions.

What to expect?
This webinar series provides introductions to the foundational concepts of statistical methodologies. We will provide practical insights by discussing different statistical methods, their appropriate application and how to correctly interpret the results including understanding the corresponding limitations. The aim is to equip you with a deeper understanding of the key concepts of statistical methodologies, rather than solving specific project problems. While R code for hands-on guidance may be provided, the emphasis of this series will be on the methodological aspects. Each webinar is a self-contained introduction to different statistical concepts, but as topics become increasingly complex with each consecutive webinar, some aspects will be built on concepts taught in the previous sessions. Hence, there is benefit in attending all the webinars.

ABOUT ASDA

The Applied Statistics and Data Science Group (ASDa) in the UBC Department of Statistics participates in collaborative research and provides statistical consulting services. ASDa expertise includes problem formulation, translation of research questions into testable statistical hypotheses, design of experiments and sampling plans for surveys, the choice and explanation of statistical methodology, statistical computing and graphics, the interpretation of findings and more. ASDa also plays an active role in continuing statistical education on and off the UBC campus, giving seminars, webinars, hands-on workshops and courses on statistical concepts and methodologies to various departments, research groups and at teaching hospitals. If you are a graduate student and have questions about your specific project, please see here for information on the SOS Program and to book a one-hour free statistical consultation.

Facilitator

Nikolas Krstic is a PhD graduate student at the Department of Statistics and a part-time Statistical Consultant with ASDa. While pursuing his previous degrees, he worked as a statistical analyst at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), authoring several published papers on a wide range of environmental health topics. Over the past few years, he has worked with numerous clients on projects from a variety of different disciplines. During his studies, research and consulting work, he has developed a strong background in regression analysis, statistical learning, and general statistical problem solving.