Statistics Made Simple

Brad R. Fulton, PhD

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This podcast introduces the statistical methods used to analyze data about society with an emphasis on applying those methods. This podcast will help you to be a more informed and critical reader of academic research, public opinion polling, and advertisement claims that present statistical evidence. Lecture slides and course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

02/12/2025

1_Overview (Video)

This episode provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical concepts and how they relate to social science research. Professor Fulton discusses the course objectives which include teaching listeners to gather, describe, analyze, and interpret data. The episode highlights the selection of an intuitive textbook designed to make the learning process as straightforward as possible, details the overall course structure, and explores the practical applications of statistics in real-life scenarios such as public policy and medical diagnoses. Throughout the podcast, Professor Fulton emphasizes the importance of being able to critically evaluate statistical claims and conduct rigorous quantitative research. He provides examples ranging from medical tests on newborns to analyzing data on autism rates by demographics. This episode is packed with insights on how statistical skills can directly impact decision-making and societal understanding. This podcast episode offers a valuable learning experience for students, professionals, or anyone curious about applying statistics to understand complex social phenomena. Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com Video Post-Production by: Indiana University UITS Collaboration Technologies

33 λεπτά
02/12/2025

2_Collecting Data and Sampling (Video)

In this episode of "Collecting Data and Sampling," the complexities of sampling in research are explored, drawing an intriguing parallel to casual weekend trips to Costco for free samples. This analogy sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the statistical methods and challenges involved in sampling populations for research purposes. The intricacies of statistical inference are unpacked, highlighting the crucial differences between a sample and a population, and emphasizing the importance of accurate sampling to derive meaningful conclusions about larger groups. Listeners will find an engaging segment on the implications of the Racial Justice Act and how statistical evidence is increasingly used in legal contexts to demonstrate discrimination. The conversation extends to a real-world application by recounting the 2000 U.S. presidential election, highlighting how sampling errors can lead to major national confusion. Throughout the episode, intuitive examples are used to explain why sampling is not just a matter of picking randomly but requires careful consideration to avoid bias and ensure representativeness. This richly layered discussion not only sheds light on the technical aspects of sampling but also emphasizes its significance in everyday decision-making processes, from law to grocery shopping. Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com Video Post-Production by: Indiana University UITS Collaboration Technologies

45 λεπτά
02/12/2025

1_Overview

This episode provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical concepts and how they relate to social science research. Professor Fulton discusses the course objectives which include teaching listeners to gather, describe, analyze, and interpret data. The episode highlights the selection of an intuitive textbook designed to make the learning process as straightforward as possible, details the overall course structure, and explores the practical applications of statistics in real-life scenarios such as public policy and medical diagnoses. Throughout the podcast, Professor Fulton emphasizes the importance of being able to critically evaluate statistical claims and conduct rigorous quantitative research. He provides examples ranging from medical tests on newborns to analyzing data on autism rates by demographics. This episode is packed with insights on how statistical skills can directly impact decision-making and societal understanding. This podcast episode offers a valuable learning experience for students, professionals, or anyone curious about applying statistics to understand complex social phenomena. ***** Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

33 λεπτά
02/12/2025

2_Collecting Data and Sampling

In this episode of "Collecting Data and Sampling," the complexities of sampling in research are explored, drawing an intriguing parallel to casual weekend trips to Costco for free samples. This analogy sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the statistical methods and challenges involved in sampling populations for research purposes. The intricacies of statistical inference are unpacked, highlighting the crucial differences between a sample and a population, and emphasizing the importance of accurate sampling to derive meaningful conclusions about larger groups. Listeners will find an engaging segment on the implications of the Racial Justice Act and how statistical evidence is increasingly used in legal contexts to demonstrate discrimination. The conversation extends to a real-world application by recounting the 2000 U.S.presidential election, highlighting how sampling errors can lead to major national confusion Throughout the episode, intuitive examples are used to explain why sampling is not just a matter of picking randomly but requires careful consideration to avoid bias and ensure representativeness. This richly layered discussion not only sheds light on the technical aspects of sampling but also emphasizes its significance in everyday decision-making processes, from law to grocery shopping. Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

45 λεπτά
02/12/2025

3_Experiments and Observations

Dive into the intriguing world of social statistics with our latest podcast episode, "Experiments and Observations," where we unravel how variables from the General Social Survey (GSS) can shape our understanding of societal behaviors and beliefs. Join our hosts as they explore fascinating variables such as LAW1, which probes experiences with robbery, and delve into public opinions on complex issues like abortion. Discover how an overwhelming 87% of respondents believe in the right to abortion if pregnancy poses health risks, reflecting nuanced societal views that contrast with the polarized public discourse. This episode is not just about data; it’s a gateway to understanding how these numbers relate to broader social theories and everyday realities. Whether you're a data enthusiast, a student of sociology, or just curious about how statistical data influences our perception of legal and ethical issues, this episode will equip you with insights into the art of statistical associations and the power of informed observation. ***** Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com.

56 λεπτά
02/12/2025

4_Variables

In this episode of the podcast titled "Variables," we delve into the intriguing world of statistics and sociology, exploring how different variables can profoundly influence our understanding of societal trends and behaviors. The discussion kicks off by examining the relationship between air pollution and the proportion of paved versus grassy ground in urban areas. A lively debate unfolds as participants identify potential confounding variables, like the presence of industrial areas or the volume of traffic, which could skew perceptions of the data's implications. The conversation then transitions to a broader discussion on the importance of considering various variables when interpreting sociological data. Real-life examples are brought into the mix, such as attitudes towards controversial issues like suicide and abortion, highlighting how personal experiences and demographic factors can influence responses. Listeners will gain insights into how sociologists and statisticians approach data analysis, emphasizing the need to identify and account for additional variables that could impact associations observed in initial data sets. This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of data interpretation but also encourages listeners to think critically about the factors that shape our understanding of the world around us. ***** Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

51 λεπτά
02/12/2025

5_Distributions and Relationships

In this insightful episode of "Distributions and Relationships," listeners are guided through essential statistical concepts crucial for academic assessments and research. The discussion emphasizes the importance of precisely addressing questions as posed in assignments and exams, stressing that exceeding or misinterpreting questions can detract from performance due to the finite scoring structure. A highlight of the episode is the practical exploration of confounding variables in research studies, using caffeine consumption and exam performance to illustrate the difference between observational studies and experimental designs. Listeners are taught the importance of eliminating confounding variables to make valid causal claims in experiments. The episode also delves into the process of identifying and utilizing variables effectively in research, particularly using the General Social Survey (GSS) as a tool for understanding correlations and distributions among different demographic questions. The dialogue is enriched with student interactions, providing a dynamic learning experience that clarifies complex statistical concepts through relatable examples and questions from real coursework scenarios. ***** Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

44 λεπτά
02/12/2025

6_Confidence Intervals (Part 1 of 2)

Join us for the opening episode of our two-part series on "Confidence Intervals" in this enlightening podcast episode. We explore the fundamental concepts of statistical inference, using real-life examples like the correlation between smoking and health to illustrate negative correlations in data analysis. This episode provides a thorough explanation of how variables interact and the importance of this understanding for research projects. Listeners will delve into the basics of constructing confidence intervals from sample data to estimate population parameters accurately. The discussion simplifies complex topics such as sampling distributions and the role of standard deviation in calculating the margin of error, making these principles accessible to both students and professionals. Whether you're preparing for a project or simply eager to enhance your analytical skills, this episode equips you with the essential tools to understand and apply key statistical concepts. Stay tuned for the concluding episode of this series, where we will continue to unravel the intricacies of statistical analysis in research settings. ***** Lecture slides and additional course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com

49 λεπτά

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This podcast introduces the statistical methods used to analyze data about society with an emphasis on applying those methods. This podcast will help you to be a more informed and critical reader of academic research, public opinion polling, and advertisement claims that present statistical evidence. Lecture slides and course material can be obtained by emailing bradrfulton@gmail.com