20.109(S15):Data analysis (Day7)

Introduction

Protocols

Part 1: Visit by Leslie to discuss the Discussion section

We will start the day with a visit by our writing instructor, Leslie, who will talk about the structure of a Discussion section, the only part of a formal research paper you have yet to write.

Part 2: Statistics practice

You may find averages, standard deviations, and t-tests useful when you report on class results.

You can practice the steps below using the male and female heights that we collect during pre-lab lecture.

1. Begin by downloading the following Excel file as a framework to carry out the basic statistical manipulations we discussed in pre-lab lecture. The file is modified from one originally written by Professor Bevin Engelward.
2. Find and plot 95% confidence intervals for the male and female heights.
3. Compare the means of these two populations. At what confidence level (if any) are they different?
   • Would a one-tailed or two-tailed test be more appropriate for this comparison?

Homework

Reagent List

• Your brains!

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