Statistical Consulting Integrating AI

3 credits · Graduate School

The objective of this course is to prepare students for providing statistical consulting in collaborative applied research settings. Statistical consulting skills are increasingly vital for research and analytic jobs in industry, education, medicine, and academia. Yet a variety of data analysis experiences beyond formal methodological coursework are needed to hone statistical consulting skills. Students work in a mentored environment on statistical and theoretical problems confronted by applied researchers in real data analysis settings within the social sciences and education. Students work in small groups or individually on consulting projects and also have opportunities for providing constructive feedback on others' projects. Throughout, students will critically consider the role of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models, an to aid in statistical consulting and problem solving. Students will practice using AI to augment consulting deliverables and will critically evaluate the utility of AI for these purposes. This course will synthesize and further develop students' understanding of how to translate subject-matter questions into statistical language, select an appropriate statistical method, research and develop workable solutions to new problems, write an analysis plan, and effectively communicate results through oral and written reports, and thoughtfully use emerging technology to solve complex statistical inquiries. This course will not only focus on the content of statistical consulting but also on the process - covering how to communicate effectively, professionally, and ethically with clients about expectations, responsibilities, hypotheses, analyses, and results. Permission of Instructor required. [3]