Elementary Statistics...

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Hi everyone! I wanted some opinions and general feedback on your experience with this class. Math is really not my strong point for the most part, I'm a bit intimidated. Do any of you think it would be a bad idea for me to take this class online? I just don't really know what to expect from it.

Did you find statistics especially difficult? Was it easy for you?

Thanks in advance!

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I'm taking stats this semester and so far it's a review of high school. Algebra is my strong point but stats in high school was easy as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Math isn't my strong suit either but I found stats to be a lot easier than any algebra-based classes. The concepts aren't quite so abstract and like any other math class it's just a matter of learning a procedure and then practicing it over and over until you can do it in your sleep. If you're nervous I wouldn't take it online though - I always like to be able to ask questions of the teacher before/during/after class or have them explain something in a different way if I'm not quite getting it. It's really not that bad though, good luck!

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I took "Intro to Stats" at my college, and like you math isn't my strongest subject. I thought about taking it online but took it in person. I had a great professor (make sure to look up ratings on them) and passed with a B. The thing I found complicated with stats was the formulas and plugging numbers into the calculator. Thats how it was for me anyway, I would definitely recommend taking it in person if numbers aren't your thing.

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Yeah, right "Elementary" Statistics... if ever the course catalog needed to use quotation marks, this class is it!

For me, it was hard the first time; it didn't "click" (got a D/W), but when I took it (same prof) with only one other class I got an A... Had a GREAT PhD prof who just loved to teach it, I went to his office and told him (confessed to him?) how hard it was, and I really think he slowed it down a notch from then on (to the relief of the other students)!

Don't be scurred, as they say it's really great to understand how studies work and it allows you to interpret them. It's true what they say about "Lies, damned lies, and statistics"... my old professor loved that quote, and for good reason!

By the way, this was STAT250, back when undergrad classes had only three numerals, as God intended...

YOU KIDS GET OFF MY LAWN!!

Sorry, where were we?

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I took a class in person, but the prof was terrible. I only went to one lecture and skipped the rest, but diligently read the chapters and did questions in addition to our online req'd assignments. I ended up with the highest mark in the class on the midterm, and was 25% above the class average at the end. I did not find the class difficult.

Whether you should do online or not depends on whether or not you learn well in lecture or do better through reading on your own, whether you learn well alone or with others, and whether asking the professor in person helps you understand things or not, and how good the professor is. Online isn't necessarily harder, it just depends on what kind of learner you are.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm taking it online. I don't mind it. I like math online, because I can't stand to listen to a darn math lecture. I'd rather just do the work and get through it! I'm also not strong in math, but this math is more procedure. I tend to sit with a YouTube video of how to do it open, and hit pause between steps as I answer. It's not so bad.

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Mine was a 4 hour Saturday class. The mention of the word "statistics" itself scared me even though math was one of my strongest subjects. And so I went in thinking if it gets too hard, I'll settle for a C grade. It turned out to be one of my best math classes and the retired engineer knew his trade well. He cracked jokes in class and reassured us that the class was doable. So I think it does matter a little the kind of an instructor you have as well as your attitude.

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I took Biostatistics online and got an A...the teacher was extremely helpful and totally on the ball, which helped. I'm not sure how different a regular statistics class is - but the one I took didn't seem too math-heavy. We used excel and another program, which did most of the math for you. There was some light algebra (very little) and the rest seemed more like "critical thinking" problems. If you're good at teaching yourself from a textbook and can manage your time well - the online class shouldn't be a problem. For me, listening to a lecture does nothing - I need a book and a computer and I'm good to go - but everyone is different. It helps a lot to have a teacher who answers emails and responds to posts right away.

I was scared of this class at first, but about a week in I realized that its mostly just working with a computer program and understanding how all the different charts/graphs, etc. work. I think you'll be just fine if you stay on top of assignments...each thing builds up to the next, so you don't want to fall behind. If you get stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask questions! If it seems like no one else is asking - its not necessarily because they "know" the material...usually your questions are going to help out your classmates as well. Everyone gets stuck sometimes. I bugged my teacher constantly, and she was more than happy to help. Best of luck!

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Specializes in psych/dementia.

Statistics is definitely different than most other math. It's mostly "plug and play." You plug the numbers into a formula to get what you are looking for. Unlike algebra, you are not making up your own formula or having to do a lot of weird calculations to balance equations, etc.

I took it in both high school and college. In high school it was easily my best class as I had over 100% in it. The only difference in college was more emphasis on interpreting the data, not just getting the answers.

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I'm taking this class now and love it! I will say that math is my thing, but statistics is nothing what I expected it to be. I recommend taking it on campus. You will be able to meet other people in your class and form study groups. Plus, your professor will be there to explain things a lot better than a textbook. I think this course would be extremely boring online. Going to class and talking about it with other people brings the math alive!

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I'm taking stat this semester and thus far it seems straight forward. Lots of definitions and not a lot of math yet though. How's you professor? Mine is an older gentleman who likes to crack a lot of corny math jokes so I'm into it.

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