(lectures and computer classes ; Winter; conversations/workshops - Summer)
How to design an experiment that reflects reality as closely as possible, taking into account all important factors? How to translate experimental design into statistical analysis? How to present results? The focus of the course is on the general methodological correctness of the research designs, which is strongly related to the principles of statistical data analysis. Therefore, we begin with a general course of statistical analysis, from basics to intermediate level (including multiple regression, factorial and nested ANOVA with fixed and random effects, and ANCOVA models). Lectures and conversations provide the theoretical background, and practical computer classes offer the opportunity to master such analyses in R environment. Next, we have a series of workshops with increasing demands, during which students develop: a) statistical models for experimental designs described by the instructor, b) research schemes and statistical models for research problems proposed by the instructor, and c) complete project (based on their own ideas) including a description of the research problem, hypotheses, sampling scheme, an adequate statistical model, data analyses for “virtual” results simulated by instructor, and presentation the results and conclusions in a written report and oral presentation.
Link to syllabus