Statistics class.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

It's math concerned with the collection and evaluation of data, not just raw calculation like in 'regular' math classes. Statistics evaluates probability, predicts outcomes, interprets rough information gained in studies, shows averages and median results. A bachelor level stats class introduces you to basic statistical concepts (like probability, frequency, distribution, range) and shows you how to calculate them.

That's the official definition, anyway.

I suck at calculus but thought statistics was pretty easy. It's a hell of a lot more concrete than calc was. It's the only math I've ever gotten A's in.

But in my opinion, once you take an analytical statistics class if you get your master's degree (I had to take a grad level stats class for my ABSN), you'll realize just how unreliable most research is. I now take a lot of statistics quoted in studies with a grain of salt, because to me it's far too easy to manipulate your results without meaning to just by using a different 'statistical test' in your calculations.

But all that's for later. :) Stats isn't that bad, just dry, and it's a necessary evil if you want to go to grad school eventually.

JRich · May 21, 2013

thank you so much for that info! You were very helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to inform me about it all!

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 24, 2013

Check out and skim a basic Stats book in the library.

Enjoyed this class a lot... I have a background in math / science.

Many others hated it.

Good luck!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 24, 2013

I worried about this class because it sounded too complex for me. Then I took it - in BSN and MSN programs! I enjoyed it because you learn how to apply math to real-life situations. They gave us the formulas in BSN program so did not have to memorize them, but we did have to know which one applied to a particular problem. I thought it was kinda fun

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 24, 2013

I worried about this class because it sounded too complex for me. Then I took it - in BSN and MSN programs! I enjoyed it because you learn how to apply math to real-life situations. They gave us the formulas in BSN program so did not have to memorize them, but we did have to know which one applied to a particular problem. I thought it was kinda fun

I didn't make this point and am glad you did!

I'm the same way - I think if I had been lucky to go to a Montessori-style high school, where they emphasize hands-on as much as books, I could've done better in calculus. Give me two points, some wind, and the right variables and tell me to build a bridge across it...well, you need calculus to do that. I say that I might have done better because I had a 99 average in physics, and killed myself for a C in calc.

Stats does make more sense to me because I can see its applicability - and you can see it RIGHT AWAY, as opposed to waiting for your advanced engineering classes to see how useful calc and the other higher maths are.

But I still say it makes it too easy to manipulate results with all those tests you can run.