Tarastats Statistical Consultancy

Statistical thinking for journalists

Statistical Thinking for Journalists

Basic course

Every day, data journalism is becoming more integrated into the newsroom. Providing reliable and objective reporting about data and data analysis’ conclusions matters more than ever. Statistical thinking is at the core of such reporting. It provides profound understandings of the key statistical concepts that are used in data analytics and a thinking methodology for turning data into reliable, objective and understandable insights.

If you are interested in online learning, check out our ONLINE COURSES.

Category:

About the course

What is Statistical Thinking?

Statistical thinking is a thought process that enables an objective perception of a subject matter. It provides our minds with a thinking methodology that is founded on the key statistical concepts. It empowers the process of turning data in to reliable and objective information.

A ‘human mind data analysis’ versus a ‘statistical data analysis’

Human minds work according to the evidence-based principle – information and data our minds are exposed to are the foundation for our minds’ decision-making process. Our minds collect information, analyse it and form conclusions. A statistical data analysis does it similarly, but with one important difference: the process of collecting data, analysing and forming conclusions is done according to the methodology that assures objectivity and supports the notion of finding the truth. Statistical thinking is the crucial part of this methodology.

How do we help you to develop Statistical Thinking skills?

We introduce you the processes and the thinking that is used in statistical data analysis. We provide you with an experience that enables you to develop not only statistical thinking, but also a profound understanding of the key data analytics concepts.

What are the key objectives of the Statistical Thinking course for Journalists?

  • To develop a profound understanding of the key statistical concepts
  • To be introduced to the thinking methodology behind statistical thinking
  • To become familiar with causal thinking concepts when analysing data
  • To polish ‘objective critical thinking’ skills

Learning methodology

The course is organised in an interactive way and comprises a mixture of presentations, discussions and team work. The course is built on the teaching philosophy of experiential learning, following the ‘deep-learning’ approach. To provide an environment for discovering and exploring the art of statistical and causal thinking, participants’ thinking is challenged by a number of real world data analysis and data presentation examples. Because the interaction among the participants and instructor is important, each course is limited to 15 participants.

About the instructor

Dr. Ana Kolar has significant experience in teaching at university level. However, she has also proved successful at delivering statistical thinking courses at primary school level. Ana is able to introduce and explain complex topics in a simple manner and she strives towards an educational approach that is based on experiential learning. Ana is the creator of this new approach for developing statistical thinking skills. Read more about Ana here.

 

Basic course

This is a one-day course that emphasizes the development of statistical thinking skills by exploring the key statistical and non-statistical concepts required for developing statistical thinking.

Course objectives

To develop statistical thinking by becoming familiar with the key statistical concepts, and to explore the art of causal thinking when dealing with data, data analysis and its conclusions.

Course topics

1. Introduction to statistical methodology and thinking used when collecting data, analysing data and reporting on obtained insights. We look at the components of statistical thinking and the thinking mechanism that enables objective and reliable insights.

2. Descriptive statistics and the type of insights it can and cannot provide about investigated data. We discuss interpretations of descriptive statistics and the importance of proper understandings of summary measures (including distributional plots) in terms of obtaining objective and insightful information. The most informative visual tools are introduced.

3. The role of causal thinking when collecting data, analysing data and reporting on the obtained insights. We look at what causal thinking is and what is its role in the world of data in terms of impacts it has on data analysis and obtained results.

Who can attend

The course is suitable for anyone who wants to discover the art of statistical thinking, be introduced to the concept of causal thinking in data analysis, and learn or refresh their knowledge about basic statistical concepts. No prior statistics knowledge is required. However, those who have some prior data analysis experience will be able to deepen their understandings about data analysis concepts.

When and where

If you are interested in attending, or hosting Statistical Thinking courses, please get in touch via info@tarastats.com or by filling in the contact form below.

If you are interested in an online version of this course click here.