Applied Statistics I - First Day
August 31, 2026
Welcome!
Today
Welcome!
Why this class?
Course info
First lecture
Who am I?
Background in statistics and computer science
Research on machine learning and time series processing
Applications in industry and neuroscience
Open-source enthusiast
Avid reader of Spinoza1
Why study statistics
In the last 2 decades, statistics has become
data science
machine learning
artificial intelligence
To fix ideas
Let’s focus on one study: Foramitti et al. (2025)
Conclusions of Foramitti et al. (2025)
In the statistical parlance
Similarly, supporting H2a, the monthly average sentiment in popular music lyrics correlated negatively with time (r = −.78, 95% CI [−0.81, − 0.75], p <.001).
around the onset of COVID-19 in the US, the analysis yielded a lower adjusted R² of 0.475. Here, we found a small but significant interaction period × time (β = −0.007, 95% CI [−0.011, −0.003], t (49) = −3.626, p < 0.01) (Supplementary Table S5, Figure S3). However, this effect points in the opposite direction as hypothesized initially
Conclusions of Foramitti et al. (2025)
In plain English
- Songs are sadder with time
- Songs are not always sadder after societal crises
Statistical analysis is a journey
From question → data → statistics → conclusions
Requires skills
Complex Technical tools, domain knowledge, and critical thinking
The reward is
A clear and adequate representation of the world
brings JOY (or empowerment, increase in ability,…)
Course info
Where to find information
Class website (link)
Blackboard (link)
Syllabus (link)
Grading
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly tests and assignments | 30% |
| Midterm | 30% |
| Final exam | 30% |
| Attendance | 10% |
About the weekly tests
Multiple choice questions, theory and practice
10-15 minutes
No surprise!
Lockdown Browser on Blackboard
We’ll practice next week (not graded!)
In the classroom
Bring computers when we have a computer-lab session!
Class materials up before each lecture
Take notes (I’ll help at first but that’s on you)
PRACTICE. PRACTICE! PRACTICE!!
Be curious, ask questions
Outside of the classroom
Know when there’s a test!
Study in time, ask questions in time
Attendance
Course notes are nothing more than outlines and visual aids
The interesting bit (critical discussions) happens in class
Means of communication
- Class website for class material
- Blackboard for assignments and tests
Prerequisites
Basic arithmetics
Fearlessness and curiosity
Kindness (to yourself and others)
Course policies
Do assignments and class tests alone
LLMs:
- OK, except when it’s not (specified)
- No expected benefits
Office hours
On Mon - Wed - Thur by appointment
Can be short-notice
A typical week
One or two chunks
Short lecture
Simple exercises
Practice problem(s)
short graded test + Kahoot quiz
References
