Updates for Fall 2024

docs/content.md

@@ -2,20 +2,18 @@
 
 | **Week** | Topic |
 | :-: | :-- |
-|[**Week 1**](week1.md) <br /> M 1/8 | Communication |
-|**No Class** <br /> M 1/15 | MLK Birthday |
-|[**Week 2**](week2.md) <br /> M 1/22 | Exploratory Analysis |
-|[**Week 3**](week3.md) <br /> M 1/29 | Practice Consultations |
-|[**Week 4**](week4.md) <br /> M 2/5 | Investigator Meeting |
-|[**Week 5**](week5.md) <br /> M 2/12 | Statistical Mistakes |
-|**No Class** <br /> M 2/19 | President's Day |
-|[**Week 6**](week6.md) <br /> M 2/26 | Communicating Statistical Concepts |
-|[**Week 7**](week7.md) <br /> M 3/4 | Project Check-In |\
-|**No Class** <br /> M 3/11 | Spring Break |
-|[**Week 8**](week8.md) <br /> M 3/18 | Practice Consultations II |
-|[**Week 9**](week9.md) <br /> M 3/25 | Presenting Statistical Information |
-|[**Week 10**](week10.md) <br /> M 4/1 | The Statistician's Role |
-|[**Week 11**](week11.md) <br /> M 4/8 | The Practice of Statistical Consulting |
-|[**Week 12**](week12.md) <br /> M 4/15 | Ethics |
-|[**Week 13**](week13.md) <br /> M 4/22 | Project Check-In |
-|[**Week 14**](week14.md) <br /> M 4/29 | Investigator Meeting: Final Presentation |
+|[**Week 1**](week1.md) <br /> M 8/26 | Communication |
+|**No Class** <br /> M 9/2 | Labor Day |
+|[**Week 2**](week2.md) <br /> M 9/9 | The Practice of Statistical Consulting |
+|[**Week 3**](week3.md) <br /> M 9/16 | Exploratory Analysis |
+|[**Week 4**](week4.md) <br /> M 9/23 | Practice Consultations |
+|[**Week 5**](week5.md) <br /> M 9/30 | Investigator Meeting |
+|[**Week 6**](week6.md) <br /> M 10/7 | Statistical Mistakes |
+|[**Week 7**](week7.md) <br /> M 10/14 | Communicating Statistical Concepts |
+|[**Week 8**](week8.md) <br /> M 10/21 | Check-In I |
+|[**Week 9**](week9.md) <br /> M 10/28 | Practice Consultations II |
+|[**Week 10**](week10.md) <br /> M 11/4 | Presenting Statistical Information |
+|[**Week 11**](week11.md) <br /> M 11/11 | The Statistician's Role |
+|[**Week 12**](week12.md) <br /> M 11/18 | Check-In II |
+|[**Week 13**](week13.md) <br /> M 11/25 | Ethics |
+|[**Week 14**](week14.md) <br /> M 12/2 | Investigator Meeting: Final Presentation |

docs/index.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # PM516a: Introduction to Biostatistical Consulting (aka Statistical Problem Solving)
 
 ## Welcome!
-Welcome to PM516a: Introduction to Biostatistical Consulting for Spring 2024! This semester we will learn skills to become an effective consultant and work with an investigator at Keck on an actual research problem.  
+Welcome to PM516a: Introduction to Biostatistical Consulting for Fall 2024! This semester we will learn skills to become an effective consultant and work with an investigator at Keck on an actual research problem.  
 
 This course should be useful for:  
 

docs/syllabus-a.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 PM516A: Statistical Problem Solving  
 1 Unit  
-Monday 5:00-5:50pm
+Monday 5:10-6:00pm
 ONLINE 
 
 ## Course Overview
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ Prerequisites: PM510 or equivalent course  (this course assumes familiarity with
 ## Course Requirements
 
 ### Communication
-Blackboard (data sets, assignment submission), website (course materials), USC e-mail and Slack (communication). Because the class covers aspects of consulting, including face-to-face interactions, <u>please practice having your webcam on during class.</u>
+All course materials will be available through this website. We will use USC e-mail for formal communication and Slack for informal collaborative communication. Because the class covers aspects of consulting, including face-to-face interactions, <u>please practice having your webcam on during class.</u>
 
 ### Textbook
 Cabrera J, McDougall A. Statistical Consulting. Springer Science & Business Media; 2002 Jan 2. (Textbook may be available through the USC libraries at libraries.usc.edu)
@@ -43,6 +43,12 @@ There are three broad categories of activites for this course:
 
 This course is graded credit/no credit and there is no point breakdown. Instead, student must complete <u>all</u> of the following:
 
+#### Required Trainings
+Students will be working with real data from investigators at USC and must complete the appropriate required trainings. There are two trainings offered by CITI (https://about.citiprogram.org/) that must be completed by the third week of class: 
+* CITI Biomedical Human Subjects
+* CITI Responsible Conduct of Research
+* Students may need to complete additional project-specific trainings
+
 #### Weekly Activities
 Students will participate in weekly activities to improve their consulting and statistical analysis skills. In order to get the most of these activities, students must complete required pre-class preparation, which may include reading articles, excerpts from the textbook, or watching videos. Students will use the information from these pre-class preparation activities in the live session, and will receive credit if they actively participate in at least 10 sessions. Partial credit will be given if the student attends but does not actively participate in a live class session.
 

docs/week1.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 📖 [Relationships & Interactions](https://magazine.amstat.org/blog/2009/09/01/heartofastatcareersept09/)<br />  
 
 1. List 2 mistakes you might make as a statistician that would lead to a breakdown in communication.
-3. What are the 5 recommended steps as part of a statistical consulting interaction?
+2. What are the 5 recommended steps as part of a statistical consulting interaction?
 
 #### Opening Up to Others
 

docs/week10.md

@@ -1,17 +1,27 @@
-# Week 10
+# Week 9
 
-##  The Statistician's Role
+## Presenting Statistical Information
 
-➤ This week we will discuss the role of the statistician in a broader research project.
+➤ This week we will look at ways to improve our tables and figures.
 
 ### Before Class
 
-#### Manuscript Checklists
+#### Statistical Data Presentation
 
-📖 [STROBE Checklist for Observational Studies](https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/strobe/)<br /> 
-
-📖 [CONSORT Checklist for Randomized Trials](https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/consort/) 
+📖 [Statistical Data Presentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28580077/)
+
+#### Improving Graphs & Figures
+
+📖 [How to Graph Badly or What Not To Do](http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jpboyd/sciviz_1_graphbadly.pdf)
+
+
+📖 [Rudiments of Numeracy](https://www.jstor.org/stable/2344922)
+
+2. “Rudiments of Numeracy” lists six rules to follow when producing graphs and tables. Rule 6 concerns whether to produce a graph vs. a table. Consider the analyses you have performed thus far. For each, is it better to present them via text, a graph, or a table? Why?
+
+### Optional Readings
+
+📖 [How to Design Terrible Graphs](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-design-terrible-graphs-3b213d909387/) <br />
+
+📖 [Dynamite Plots Must Die](https://simplystatistics.org/posts/2019-02-21-dynamite-plots-must-die/)
 
-1. Based on the study design, would you use the CONSORT or STROBE checklist for this study?
-1. As a statistician, which of the items on the checklist will you be responsible for?
-1. Verify that all these items are addressed in your final report.

docs/week11.md

@@ -1,47 +1,17 @@
-# Week 11
+# Week 10
 
-## The Practice of Biostatistical Consulting
+##  The Statistician's Role
 
-➤ This week we will consider qualities of a good consultant and review consulting vignettes.
+➤ This week we will discuss the role of the statistician in a broader research project.
 
 ### Before Class
 
-#### Marketing your Business
-
-📖 [Statistical Consulting Clients: How to Get and Keep Them](https://stattrak.amstat.org/2022/02/01/statistical-consulting/)<br />
-
-1. As a statistical consultant, how would you describe your "brand"?
-2. What are some networking resources you could use for your business?
-
-#### Qualities for Statistical Consultants
-
-📖 [What to Expect When You Consult A Statistician](https://community.amstat.org/cnsl/forclients/expect-content)<br />
-Pay attention to the 11 qualities listed in Section 1.D. (What to look for in a statistical consultant).  
-
-3. How well do you think you fit each of these qualities?
-4. Rank these qualities from 1 to 11, where 1 indicates that you align with this quality the most, and 11 the least.
-5. How do you think you can improve the qualities you are less comfortable with?
-
-📖 Textbook Chapter 1
-
-### In Class
-
-#### Consulting Vignettes 
-
-📖 [4 Tips for Statistical Consulting](https://blogs.ams.org/mathgradblog/2021/10/11/4-tips-for-statistical-consulting-learn-from-my-mistakes/)  
-
-1. What did Chanel say were the main reasons why she struggled with her consulting project?
-
-🎥 [Realistic Timelines for Work](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueF1oe0ct4s)  
-
-1. In this video the researcher wanted immediate assistance. What is one thing the consultant did to reassure the researcher?
-2. If a client came to you with a thesis draft deadline in two days, how would you respond to them?  
-3. Some statisticians may find it useful to, say, triple the amount of time you think it will take to complete a project, in order to account for unforeseen circumstances. What considerations may be needed for deciding on a reasonable time frame?  
-
-🎥 [Using Statistical Results to Identify Questions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upkMfMF0k2k)  
-
-6. List 3 things you think the client should have known before entering this consultation.  
-7. Given your current or hypothetical future position, would you take on a project like this knowing the grant proposal did not have a budget for statistical consulting/collaboration?  
-8. The researcher believed that “statistical magic” could be used to determine which variables are the most important. What challenges could arise from this view? What might you do to discuss this topic with potential clients?  
+#### Manuscript Checklists
 
+📖 [STROBE Checklist for Observational Studies](https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/strobe/)<br /> 
+
+📖 [CONSORT Checklist for Randomized Trials](https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/consort/) 
 
+1. Based on the study design, would you use the CONSORT or STROBE checklist for this study?
+1. As a statistician, which of the items on the checklist will you be responsible for?
+1. Verify that all these items are addressed in your final report.

docs/week12.md

@@ -1,26 +1,25 @@
 # Week 12
 
-##  Ethics
+##  Project Check-In
 
-➤ This week we will discuss ethical considerations for statistical consulting.
+➤ This week we will review the project presentation and any additional analyses that need to be performed.
 
-### Complete Before Class
+### Before Class
 
-#### Ethics
+#### Group Meeting
 
-📖 [I Fooled Millions Into Thinking Chocolate Helps Weight Loss. Here's How.](https://gizmodo.com/i-fooled-millions-into-thinking-chocolate-helps-weight-1707251800)<br />  
+1. Meet with your group and create a draft of your presentation.
 
-1. Bohannon’s study had small sample size, they didn’t bother to balance age and gender across treatment groups, they examined multiple possible outcomes, and they didn’t report that at the termination of the study the two groups had lost the same amount of weight. Which of these faults is the biggest concern for you and why?
-2. Journalists are pressured to write on interesting, sensational stories (think of all the “click bait” on the internet). Bohannon reports that “if you lay out the information just right, you can shape the story that emerges in the media almost like you were writing those stories yourself.” That said, who has the most responsibility in ensuring that a study’s findings are reported accurately?
+#### Critical Review
 
-🎥 [The Potti Case](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5sZTNPMQRM)
+2. Consider every analysis that you have performed up to this point. Write a list of what the analysis was, why you did it, and classify each into the following categories: <br />
 
-3. Who stands most to lose in cases when inaccurate or misleading studies are published?
+A. Analysis that is essential for the investigator to know and directly addresses the research question. <br />
+B. Analysis that may be important for the investigator to know, but you would not necessarily include it in a manuscript (think: is it one of the top 5-10 analyses that you have or will perform?) <br />
+C. Analysis that is important to you (the statistician) ONLY, and is not relevant for the investigator. <br />
 
-### Complete During Class
+Use this table as a guide:  
 
-#### Ethics Case Studies
-
-### Optional Readings
-
-📖 [Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice](https://www.amstat.org/your-career/ethical-guidelines-for-statistical-practice)
+| Analysis | Rationale | Importance |
+| -------- | --------- | ---------- |
+|Examined patterns of missingness across all variables | Ensures large enough sample size and that analyses are not biased | B |

docs/week13.md

@@ -1,25 +1,26 @@
 # Week 13
 
-##  Project Check-In
+##  Ethics
 
-➤ This week we will review the project presentation and any additional analyses that need to be performed.
+➤ This week we will discuss ethical considerations for statistical consulting.
 
-### Before Class
+### Complete Before Class
 
-#### Group Meeting
+#### Ethics
 
-1. Meet with your group and create a draft of your presentation.
+📖 [I Fooled Millions Into Thinking Chocolate Helps Weight Loss. Here's How.](https://gizmodo.com/i-fooled-millions-into-thinking-chocolate-helps-weight-1707251800)<br />  
 
-#### Critical Review
+1. Bohannon’s study had small sample size, they didn’t bother to balance age and gender across treatment groups, they examined multiple possible outcomes, and they didn’t report that at the termination of the study the two groups had lost the same amount of weight. Which of these faults is the biggest concern for you and why?
+2. Journalists are pressured to write on interesting, sensational stories (think of all the “click bait” on the internet). Bohannon reports that “if you lay out the information just right, you can shape the story that emerges in the media almost like you were writing those stories yourself.” That said, who has the most responsibility in ensuring that a study’s findings are reported accurately?
 
-2. Consider every analysis that you have performed up to this point. Write a list of what the analysis was, why you did it, and classify each into the following categories: <br />
+🎥 [The Potti Case](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5sZTNPMQRM)
 
-A. Analysis that is essential for the investigator to know and directly addresses the research question. <br />
-B. Analysis that may be important for the investigator to know, but you would not necessarily include it in a manuscript (think: is it one of the top 5-10 analyses that you have or will perform?) <br />
-C. Analysis that is important to you (the statistician) ONLY, and is not relevant for the investigator. <br />
+3. Who stands most to lose in cases when inaccurate or misleading studies are published?
 
-Use this table as a guide:  
+### Complete During Class
 
-| Analysis | Rationale | Importance |
-| -------- | --------- | ---------- |
-|Examined patterns of missingness across all variables | Ensures large enough sample size and that analyses are not biased | B |
+#### Ethics Case Studies
+
+### Optional Readings
+
+📖 [Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice](https://www.amstat.org/your-career/ethical-guidelines-for-statistical-practice)