Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Transatlantic Chocolate Crisis (Week 10)

Chocolate.



Just one piece of chocolate and instantly time suspends chaos for a moment, the sun warms the soul, life's strifes allow a smile to peek through. "After eating chocolate you feel godlike, as though you can conquer enemies, lead armies, entice lovers."

What else is as perfect as chocolate? I am not the least bit ashamed to admit I can be bought with chocolate, or that I can consume large and lavish quantities of that delicious goodness. But this post is not about my love affair with chocolate. I do not have enough time for that. I am not even going to list all the wonderful chocolate shops around London. Instead, I am going to pose a simple question that came from a single chocolate experience.


Why is British chocolate so much better than American chocolate?

While I was wandering around Soho the other day, I made a startling discovery–there is an entire store with five levels devoted to...M&Ms. I fell to my knees and wept. Though M&Ms are not my chocolate of choice, I do love them. Particularly the peanut butter ones (but peanut butter is not a UK commodity so there weren't any in the store :( ). There were, however, plain and peanut M&Ms in any color you could imagine, and a few of the canisters were filled with the rare star, crispy M&Ms. Anyway, some time later I emerged from this haven with a bag of plain M&Ms. What can I say, I was a child in a candy store. To revive myself from such an awe-inspiring experience, I ate a few. And then, surprised, I had to sample a few more. (Note: my definition of 'few' is probably not the accepted definition). The M&Ms were different. They tasted like...chocolate. Real, creamy milk chocolate instead of sugary confection with a stale chocolate taste. This phenomenon of quality chocolate extends to all chocolate: bars, twirls, buttons, nuts, etc.

So why? Why is even the cheap chocolate better here than in the US? Concerned, I began my research. Simply put, it all has to do with numbers. In the US, for something to be considered "chocolate," it must contain at least 12% cocoa solids with only cocoa butter and solids as the fat allowed. In the UK, that number is almost double-20%-with other fats, such as vegetable oil, allowed. Lower quantity cocoa, my friends, is the US's problem. Instead of filling up the chocolate with cocoa, the US uses sugar to mask the lack of cocoa solids. Also, the US uses the additive PGPR in place of cocoa butter due to expense. Brits, on the other hand, accept the expense and shorter shelf life (why does chocolate need a long shelf life anyway? It's not like it stays on the shelf for long) in return for better chocolate.

In short, Brits take their chocolate more seriously. In US, chocolate bars are thought of as "candy," targeted towards children, and are therefore mostly sugar and preservatives. Chocolate bars are a sedative, a bribe. On the other side of the pond, the UK sees chocolate as a delight, a tradition, a sanctuary–an attitude reflected in the taste in my opinion. 


So go out, sample some chocolate, and tell me about the differences.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Bring 'em down! (Week 7)

In defense of...myself.

For those of you familiar with a recent post by Natalie Johansen, I am the reason for her proclamation defending those odious creatures. But let it be known I did NOT rejoice to see a dead pigeon. I merely stated I was sorry that I did not feel sorry for the death of the pigeon. Had it have been any other bird, I would have felt a pang of sorrow; I'm not completely cold-blooded. However....

I confess. I hate pigeons. Ew ew ew ew. I get disgusted thinking about them. In fact, "I'm going to be violently ill" (name that movie).


Not all pigeons, just the ones people think of when they hear "pigeons." Specifically, I hate city (feral) pigeons. Misbegotten creatures of a city, pigeons are gray, oily products of humans. They exist primarily because humans exist, a product of our waste. A shameful existence. A debased life. They do not even follow the adage "survival of the fittest;" theirs is survival of ones who happen to be in the right place at the right time. Really, do pigeons even fly across cities? Probably not because they are fed right in their homes. Why bother with the traffic?


Now please know I am not advocating poisoning pigeons in the park. It is just they are everywhere, infringing on my space. I will not feed them, but they still creep up begging for food. Look at one in the eye; they have red eyes. Devil eyes. If eyes are the windows to the soul, I think pigeons don't have one.  Ok, a bit harsh. A pigeon is God's creature. But man corrupted it. 


To me, a pigeon is a type of the follies of man. Aggressive, unwilling to share a crust of bread with a fellow bird. Lack of mercy, lack of respect. Show me a pigeon with humility, and I'll show you a man without an ulterior motive. A bit of an overgeneralization, but you get my point. Even the coloring is a symbol of the debasement of men. Pigeons are gray, dull like concrete. The feathers on their necks are the same as an oil spill on asphalt or trash in the corners after a dreary rain. Red eyes and red claws–they are the color of man at war with nature. 

This is why I hate pigeons. They are a symbol of the weakness in humans.

A Modern Disappointment (Week 6)

I feel like a traitor to my profession. Not to statisticians, but to being an art consumer. I did not enjoy the Tate Modern. No, that is not appropriately expressing my opinion. Not only did I dislike the Tate Modern, I left feeling upset, dirty, and slightly sick. Furthermore, I do not even want to go back to see the Munch exhibit (I love The Scream so this is saying something). It was the art that got to me.

Though I am not an art historian, a critic, or even an amateur artist, I appreciate art. I have taken so many art history classes and been inspired by many artists. And being a human, I can enjoy art for art's sake. I enjoy pretty scenes, thoughtful slogans, even political statements in art.

None of which you will find in modern "art". At least, you have to look hard, trudging through the sleaze.

Am I being too harsh? Just because "I don't get it" I say I hate modern art? That would not be fair, if it were true. I don't get some of it, but that is not why I don't like modern art. (Besides, "getting" the art is not always an uplifting experience.) Artists are a mirror of society; what they paint, why they create, reflects the mores and opinions of people. Society creates the atmosphere where artists learn. Look back on history and note the evolution of art.

Stone Age:               Survival of the human race. The art focuses on fertility of the land and the race. 
                                 Cave art, Woman of Willendorf  

Egyptian:                  Concern with status and afterlife
                                 Pyramids, Book of the Dead

Greek:                      Balance in everything. Perfection of the body
                                 Parthenon (the most visually correct building in the world), the Discobolus

Middle Ages:            Church, religion is supreme and man is nothing
                                  Notre Dame, buildings to commemorate God

Renaissance:             Humanism, rebirth of ideas in sciences, 
                                 techniques, and religion
                                 Michelangelo, da Vinci 

Baroque:                   Religious wars
                                 Rembrandt, Caravaggio

Romanticism:            American and French Revolutions
                                  Turner, Liberty Leading the People


Impressionism:          More revolutions, people getting restless with old art
                                  Monet, Pissarro


Cubism, Futurism:     WWI, Russian Revolution
                                  Picasso, Leger

Surrealism:                Great Depression, WWII
                                  Dali, Duchamp

Pop art:                     Cold War, revolts
                                 Warhol, Pollock

Yes, I skipped a few art movements, but you can see the trend and correlation between society and art. So what is today's world focusing on? Throughout the last few decades, people have been growing more and more secular and apathetic about everything else. Think about it: in "civilized" countries like the US and UK, people are focused on other people (how much time did you waste on Facebook today?), anything to get them from taking responsibility for their own lives, anything to stop them from looking beyond the surface, the constructed front everyone has. Days have become routine, and to break the routine, people do the same thing (usually involving getting drunk or spending money on clothes or vacations or glossy magazines). They work, they spend the money, and they waste time, just waiting for...something. Self-reflection is a fad, religion is a joke, and living for and in the moment is void. And the trend of dissociating oneself from life and reality is growing ever stronger. People are growing lazy; if they want something, they want it now, a quick fix, the snap answer.

Modern art reflects this disease of apathy for reflection, dissociation from reality, and need for instant gratification. Modern artists aren't interested in developing technique, patience, or thought. They are going for the shock value. Pornographic, bizarre, and just plain disturbing–that is what is seen as art now. It is almost a challenge from the artists; this is art, can't you see? If not, you must be a closed-minded freak.

Looking at some of the pieces in the Tate I could not tell what the artist was thinking or trying to convey. All I got was the artist must have been bored or psycho. The art was not for a cause, none that I could see anyway.

So, is this art? What constitutes art?

Monday, June 11, 2012

Gonna Go Down the River Once More (Week 5)



The time shall come, when, free as seas or wind,
Unbounded Thames shall flow for all mankind,
Whole nations enter with each swelling tide,
And seas but join the regions they divide;
Earth's distant ends our glory shall behold,
And the new world launch to seek the old.

                                                       –Alexander Pope


One of my favorite parts of London is the Thames. Though it pains me not to be able to jump in (I sometimes have these urges to play in any body of water), I love just walking down on the Thames path right next the banks. It even has tides; I dare you to name one river in Utah with tides. 
Not only physically central in London, the River Thames is central in London culture and history. In short, the river embodies London. At least, it embodies my perception of London. First of all, it is flithy and disgusting. Like the city, the river is completely polluted. But one usually does not dwell on that fact. The pollution in the city is overlooked for the more impressive sights of ancient cathedrals and churches welded together with modern apartments and offices. Likewise, the river's pollution is (typically) unnoticed as one sees famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, or the Tower of London abutting the banks. And the bridges! One should be willing indeed to forget the muddy waters for the engineering of the bridges from the Tower Bridge to the Millenium Footbridge.

Besides walking up and down and over the Thames, my favorite part of the river is how it looks at night. The River Thames, an eerie cold gray in the perpetual rain transformed to a glittering mirror of the lights at night. The new imposes itself on the old. As the lights swim across the inky black, from bank to bank, the harshness of the concrete city is blurred. For a moment, London is only light and air with the clamour tucked under the bridges binding the river. If you have not seen the River Thames at night, you are neglecting an entire facet of London. Yes, the footpath winds in and out of various restaurants which may get a little wild on Friday nights. But seeing the lights on the water cumulates the London experience. It is modern and classic, barely growing and ancient. Here you have a river that stalled Julius Caesar, that allowed the Vikings to penetrate Celtic tribes, decorated with engineered starlights of a modern civilization. It shows the city trying to contain nature but nature still managing to creep out of its bars. 

Recently, I had yet another experience on the Thames. John Burns, a member of parliament representing Battersea, claimed that "The Thames is liquid history." And that's exactly what I saw. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Flotilla floated down the Thames, mimicking the flotilla of the Queen's coronation. History right there. Unfortunately, I only saw glimpses of that history being made. Mostly, I just saw the backs of heads and glares when I tried to get closer to the bank. We got there early; well, what I thought of as early. Though we two and a half hours early, we were essentially too late to get a comfortable spot. We were approximately five or six rows of people back, but given that the Thames was not at the end of those people, there was not much to see. I got a sore calf from standing on my tippy-toes and a couple of rather blurry photos (that one isn't mine), but I was there.

In short, the River Thames does not merely snake through London; it is London. History is made on the river, culture is displayed, and the ambience of London is personified.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Keep Calm and Pick Your Poison (Week 4)

Of all the exported brilliancy of British culture, the motto to "Keep Calm and Carry On" is most likely one of the most famous. More common than humbugs, more quoted and parodied than the Queen, and more far reaching than high tea, this wartime slogan is British culture in more than one way.

First of all, KCCO was designed during a critical time period in England, a time of lasting influence. Created at the beginning of WWII, KCCO was part of a three-poster to strengthen morale in case of war. Though not widely distributed during the war, its association with WWII made it an icon. While it is certain that World War II is a scar for every country, for Great Britain, it was a defining and intense development of its culture. During the Blitz, Britain stood alone in Europe with no certain survival, and its people hoped and believed, defying the bombs and doom. Today, the shrapnel shards still pepper buildings and roads all around London as a reminder. The holes could be filled, but instead they remain as part of the culture. So it is not really a surprise that when the KCCO slogan was rediscovered in 2000, it became an instant British icon.

Another way KCCO is British culture is the way it completely sums up British outlook. Basically, mind your own business, do not get over excited, and keep going. That's not to say no one in England gets upset or angry because they all do (some rather publicly too). But it seems to be frowned upon, this display of emotions. When someone is arguing, others around either push their noses further into a book, walk away with a remembered errand, or otherwise try to make themselves as tinny as possible. In short, they avoid the display, refusing to take part or worse, take a stand. Another example–on Wednesday after a long work day (at least it was for me), some man missed his bus. There was another one coming...in ten minutes. Oh the horror. He let forth a slew of choice words, albeit words I would not have said. Everyone else around was waiting for the same bus, in the same situation as the swearing man. But no one commiserated with him–they kept calm and carried on with their business, namely ignoring the anger. On the tube, people do not raise their voices or even their eyes. They just carry on with staring into space, tactfully keeping calm and ignoring everyone else.

While my observations are generalization, they hold for a majority of the English a majority of the time.  Yes, there are demonstrations and marches and even riots, but compared to other countries, they are mild and relatively tame. People march by, but others not actually in the demonstration advert their eyes, change their path, or passively watch the participators go by. Things typically do not get out of hand because the English take events in their strides, carrying on with their duties.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Watch: the Fabulous and the Functional (Week 3)

I love watches. Classic elegant, neon green rubber, suave leather, blingy gold, snap-on pink  – so many options, it's just so exciting. As a fashion-forward child, I always wanted a watch (because I would go through them pretty quickly; don't ask how). Unfortunately, I never needed a watch. No one really does. In elementary school, I couldn't tell time anyway. Junior high and high school were dominated by bells telling people when to leave and come, and every classroom and hall way had at least one clock. Besides, around the time of high school, everyone had cell phones for the time. Watches were basically obsolete, functionally; they became merely a fashion accessory.

Ever since I got a cell phone, I stopped wearing my watch. Occasionally I'd wear one if I had an important test in an unfamiliar building or if I wanted to look more professional for a presentation. But most of the time, there was no need for it.

In London, there is a need for knowing the time all the time. I've worn my watch almost every day since I got here. And I'm not the only one. Places are pretty stingy with clocks, and phones have gotten so big they have to go in a purse or large pocket. Because it is so important to have the time right then, it is very difficult to dive into a purse, conduct a search for a phone, and emerge triumphant. It is much easy to wear a watch.

Before, I thought I was fairly monochronic with my time. I don't like to be late, and I follow schedules pretty well. In fact, it drives me nearly bonkers when someone flakes on me or fails to have a concrete plan. But I am nothing compared to the giant system of London. It runs on schedules and precise planning. London is Time, a giant clock commanding everyone's life.

A main cause of London's monochronic personality is the public transport. Usually, I'm not too bothered by waiting for the Tube or a bus because there is nowhere I have to be at a particular time. However, my Wednesday trips to Southampton are proving to be intensely involved. I have to be at Clapham Junction at a particular time to catch the train. To get to Clapham Junction, I have to switch from the District line to the Overground. Each change has to be calculated so I will have enough time to catch the right train. If I'm late, I miss the train, and I have to wait and wait forever until there is another one. If I'm early, I have to wait some more.

Because trains are supreme, people wait. Because everyone needs to be somewhere at a specific time, people wait. Because being late is frown on, people wait. The monochronic atmosphere in London forces a Molbius strip: monochronic system gives value to time which the inhabitants waste waiting for the monochronic system. Like time, this dilemma will not end.



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Fight fight fight! (Week 2)

On my way home from school today, I saw something frightening–a fight almost broke out on the tube. Yes, Londoners were actually snapping at each other and being very rude. More specifically, a business man (in a tailored suit–need I say more) was arguing with a tube worker A perfect storm of a long day and tired people, the antsy disagreement crescendoed into fifteen to twenty minutes of waiting for the tube to continue on its way. (Note to future self: don't argue against the man with the power to hold the train; you can't win.)

It was about seven, the end of a long work day. And a Wednesday no less. The tube, like usual at rush hour, was pretty crowded. Because we were at Clapham Junction (the end of the line), hordes of people were waiting while everyone got off. Naturally, it took a while to unboard and reboard. When everyone was getting on, somehow the door kept closing. There are a thousand of reasonable explanations as to why. Well, at least two: it just does that or someone kept knocking the close open accidentally. But some tired P.U.S (poor unfortunate soul) was convinced it was the station worker purposefully closing the door on him. I guess when P.U.S gets tired, his mind doesn't make very logical conclusions. Then again, maybe he actually does believe the world revolves around him and his suit.

Whatever the reason, his mind or his suit, the P.U.S stood there, hating the tube. While he never raised his voice, the P.U.S kept arguing with the man with the power–the tube worker. "You're abusive, that's what," said the P.U.S, repeatedly. I couldn't actually hear what the worker said ever, but I gathered that he wanted the P.U.S to step off the train to deal with the situation. Of course, however, the P.U.S had other ideas, namely he wanted to go home. Unfortunately, so did everyone else except the worker, who held the train. For twenty odd minutes. Waiting the the P.U.S.

Later, once we were out of the line of fire, I started to think about the clash of personalities. In the US, I don't think the people in the compartment would have been so quiet. During the incident, there was one man who would periodically yell for the P.U.S to quit arguing, and one mother with an autistic child who was worrying (and the child who was...getting anxious). Oh, and one other man who was trying to smooth out the situation. Everyone else was either silent or having a very quiet conversation with one other person. In the US, this probably would have been upgraded to calling the police to subdue the train because everyone would want to have his opinion known. As it was in London, I think people were super annoyed with P.U.S (at least, I was), and I think they were surprised at the argument and didn't know exactly how to handle it. So, being English, most minded their own business.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Journey to Southampton (Week 1)

I always thought how quaint the Tube stations' names are: Parsons Green, Picadilly, Oxford Circus, Clapham Junction. They just sound so innocent and utterly English, like you can just stroll through the station with your umbrella tapping out a melody on the ground. Not true. Usually, that same umbrella is sopping wet. The stroll is in fact a mad dash from station to station, desperately ducking out of the mass of suits' way. Case in point: Clapham Junction. I supposed I assumed it was a junction of old lanes with a history of being where Queen Victoria would walk with her husband or where Cynthia caught the London Coach. I never thought of the vast network of rail work, hordes of uptight businessmen, and the stench of stale coffee. There were 18 platforms. 18! It was a stressful maze. But we managed to catch the right train (to Woking, as it happened). I truly felt British when we successfully transformed to another train to Southampton to meet with the dreaded Dr. Woods.

As it turns out (as things like this usually do), Dr. Woods doesn't actually bite. Or snarl or glare. He did sort of bounce off the walls a bit, but he was willing to sit still long enough to actually have a conversation with me. He was interested in my project, and worked with me on it by asking me questions while helping me answer the tricky ones. It was interesting–he was clearly the more intelligent one, but I was still in charge of my project. A good start for my statistics.

One odd note: Brits have a strange obsession with shut doors. The math building I was in was small (tall, but narrow) but each floor had at least four sets of doors for halls and staircases, and all the office and classroom doors were closed, making the halls very dark and claustrophobic.  

Monday, April 9, 2012

Cultural Immersion (LJ 4/9)

As this is my last learning journal for the semester, I want this to be a fun one to write. One of my concerns (from a bit of list) about my field study is spending too much time chained to my computer. Or even being inside too much. It's England! I need to immerse myself in the culture--otherwise there is no point in my going. In order to get myself out of the stat lab and away from my computer, the following is a list of things I need to do to get myself into the culture. (Having a list will motivate me a little more to get out and about.)
  1. British Museum. I still have not seen the Lindow bog man. Poor Pete was on loan last time I was in London, so I was unable to meet him. And three years later, I am still disappointed. 
  2. National Gallery. I'm a bit of an art history fanatic.
  3. St. Martin in the Fields. Free piano recitals, but not of third graders who never practice. 
  4. Borough Market. Food. Enough said.
  5. Queen's way. Kebabs, waffles, and a high concentration of cigarette smoke--c'est la vie!
  6. Gardens
  7. Science Museum. I'm a mathematician, k? 
  8. Bridge Walk. This was my favorite thing to do during my study abroad. There would be a group of us who would walk along the Thames from the Center to the Tower Bridge at night. 
  9. Tube at rush hour. I'll just make sure I leave valuables at home that day.
  10. White Cliffs of Dover
  11. Theatre, anyone?
  12. Pub crawl, just without the alcohol. 
  13. Biking through London.
  14. V & A. I only spent probably 45 minutes here last time. For shame.
  15. Area around the V&A. I never managed to explore that area of town.
This is just a sample of activities to do to get involved in London's culture. There will be need to be another similar list for Southampton, but one thing at a time, love.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

You can't do a study abroad for statistics! (LJ 4/6)

Yep. That's what my professor told me today in my Modern Regression method class. He was bemoaning the fact that there are no field trips we as stats students could take. There was just no point. Statistics is the same around the world.

"I attended a meeting," he said, "about teaching for a study abroad. But statistics? The people were so patient and long suffering.
'You need to teach something in the country.'
 And I said, ok...I'll be in the country.
'No, teach something related to the country like Victorian literature or Shakespeare.'
Ok, I can teach Shakespeare...I won't be amazing at it though.
'Not literature. Something related to statistics.'
Shakespearean statistics? You can't do a study abroad for statistics!"

This was when I pointed out that I was in fact doing a study abroad. In England. Studying statistics. "So what...you'll visit Bayes' grave? Fisher's house?" Lots of incredulous laughter.

I'll be the first to admit, there is no need to studying statistics in a foreign country. You can use statistics in a study abroad (i.e. carbon dating artifacts in Rome, analyzing a survey in Finland, setting up an experiment about mother education in Mexico), but you do not need to study statistics in another country. That is not to say you can't; it just isn't vital. A mean is a mean is a mean, regardless of where you are.

So...why is a field study a good match for me to study statistics? It has been a struggle for me to justify it. I will not gain anything by "visiting the grave" of a statistician, even a famous, significant one. In my field study proposal, there hardest part is answering "How will you benefit at this point from a program aimed at cultural immersion and understanding?" and "Is the proposed experience relevant to the program location?"

 Therefore, the justification for my field study does not come from the statistics; it comes from the personal experiences I will gain. As a statistician, it is necessary to be able to discuss and brainstorm with others from different backgrounds. Other perspectives lead to different approaches, analysis, and hence results. For example, in fitting even simple data, there are over ten different approaches to fit a line. And in those ten approaches, there are countless ways to apply them (cleaning data differently, having different cut-off values or significance rates, or even using different software). It is then necessary to collaborate with others to compare methods in order to be complete and more accurate in the final results. On my field study, I will be learning how to work with people of a different background. Currently, the only experience I have with collaborating is with my fellow graduate students and my professors--all Mormons, mostly from Utah. Even when I worked with the VA, the project manager was a Mormon, and my partner was my office mate.

In addition to needing to work with a British statistician, I need to be in England. Well...'need' is a strong word. But it would be beneficial for me to be in England because it will get me out of my comfort zone (by a ways) and force me to work with people I have never met before; good preparation for my real life that starts when I graduate.








Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Doctors in the House (LJ 4/4)

So, I apparently have an obsession with British doctors. First there was Doctor Who, and now there is Doc Martin. My dad recommended that I watch Doc Martin when I was on my hiatus from Doctor Who. Doc Martin is about a high-powered, brillant London surgeon who inconveniently develops a fear of blood at the height of his career. Forced to step down, Dr. Martin Ellingham becomes a GP in a small village in Cornwall. In the series, Doc Martin and the villagers are consistently at odds with each other as they are forced to interact with each other.

Don't worry; there is a point to this learning journal. In all of the episodes I have watched, there have been perfect vignettes illustrating several phenomena noticed by Kate Fox in Watching the English. For example, when Martin is first setting up his surgery, all of his "patients" come by just to talk about the weather, which of course infuriates Martin who is all about efficiency, not chitchat. The "Importance of Not Being Earnest" is clearly shown in the humor of the show.

It has been helpful to actually see the "English" in their natural habitat rather than just reading about it. Not only is it easier to see the bits of culture come to light, but also I can notice the response from all the participants involved in the situations so I can learn what to do and what not to do. It gives me something more concrete to emulate. And what words are insults and should not be repeated.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Depressing Culture Shock (LJ 4/2)

The premise of my learning journal today is from reading "Coping with Culture Shock." First of all, did anyone else notice that the list of culture shock symptoms was basically a list of depression symptoms?
Boredom, withdrawal, need for excessive amounts of sleep, compulsive eating/drinking, loss of confidence, and fear of the worst happening: manic depression disorder in the making. Even the "treatments" for culture shock follow the guidelines for preventing depression (my dad's a psychiatrist so that's where I know these things).  For example, "learn to live with ambiguity", "make a conscious effort to be empathetic", and "learn how best to manage stress" most certainly are part of a treatment program. So I am not sure why there needs to be a separate title for culture shock; just label it an on-set of (mild) depression. I realize that culture shock and depression are not identical. It was just interesting to note how similar parts of them are.

Given the similarities, I am going to suggest more ways in which to prevent or alleviate culture shock besides the obvious "preparation" the article gave. First, exercise as soon as you arrive. Not only does physical activity stave off jetlag, but it allows you to get into a routine quickly as well as increase your endorphins. Second, get sun. In the article, this would fall under the "familiarizing" oneself with surroundings and basic life skills. Get outside, be adventurous, but don't forget a map. Lastly, socialize. With depression, this entails connecting with family and old friends, but in context of a field study, this means getting to know your host family.

I am planning of having a horribly rough first few weeks of my field study. But having already accepted this and implementing the above "treatments," I should be able to make it through the rough parts and then being able to enjoy the rest.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Source (4/2) Last one!!

Schoemaker, Paul. "6 Habits of True Strategic Thinkers." The Strategic Decision. 


In my project, I will essentially be the boss. At least of myself. Even when I am collaborating with Dr. Woods, I do not want to appear incompetent, lazy, or stupid. I want to showcase my work. This article lists a few points to ensure I can lead myself and propel my research and project forward. First, anticipate. The article meant anticipate the future of a company, but in my case, I need to anticipate future problems of my research, questions from other colleagues, and holdups. Second, think critically. "Critical thinkers question everything." This is definitely a skill I need to work on. Next, interpret. This is particularly helpful in my project. I need to make sure I understand what the idea is behind statistics before I can push forward. By interpreting and repeating what I think is going on will help make sure I am not wasting time down a wrong road. The next item is decide. "Leave perfection to higher powers." Finally, learn It doesn't matter if I occasionally ask a stupid question as long as I am continuing to learn.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Source (3/30)

Busby, Daniel. "Hierarchical adaptive experimental design for Gaussian process emulators." Reliability Engineering and System Safety. 94 (2009): 1183-1193. Electronic.

Researching computer simulations. 
"Computer models, denoted as simulators, are used to predict the behavior of complex physical systems." However, the more complex the situation, the longer the simulations take. Using Bayesian statistics, there are algorithms to predict the "best" area to sample or simulate to allow for the most useful collection of data points. This paper proposed an new design called hierarchical adaptive design that uses the least possible number of simulations. The most useful part of this article is the structure. Basically, this will be the structure of what my thinking should be.   

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Doctor Who? No, Doctor Who!!! (LJ 3/28)

This is a response to Kayla's recent post about Doctor Who. And yes, you have to watch it, for research purposes.

I also ran across a few articles about Doctor Who while reading through the newspaper, gleaning culture bits. But unlike Kayla, I have been...obsessed...with Doctor Who since last summer. Here's how it happen: I was in Boston on an internship in an apartment without air conditioning during Boston's one heat wave. As I am a Utahan through and through, the humidity almost killed me. I couldn't run, or even go outside because that entailed moving. So I laid on my bed, sweated, and watched Doctor Who because that was all I could get on my laptop.  I've been in love ever since then with the Doctor and the show.

Doctor Who is British culture. Unlike US shows, it is clever and funny. The characters are not the perfect models you always see on TV here. I think especially telling are the Doctor's companions. They are pretty, of course, but not stick thin and not always blond. They actually look like real people. In general, the characters aren't glorified and glamorized; they are someone you could learn Englishness from.

Watching Doctor Who is a great preparation for the field study. Truly. Now, I know exactly how to react when Big Ben is destroyed by aliens. Actually, it typifies English reactions (just don't react) and their relationships with each other (don't ever verbalize anything and always underrepresent what you think).

Only a week and a half until the end of Lent--then I can go back to watching Doctor Who.


Source (3/28)

Perez, Victor M, John E. Renaud, and Layne T. Watson. "Adaptive Experimental Design for Construction of Response Surface Approximations." Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at University of Notre Dame and Department of Computer Science and Mathematics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

This article shows an application of adaptive experimental design, allowing me to grasp a better, more concrete idea of the theory. That way I can understand how the theory works and what needs to be done for my project.  

Monday, March 26, 2012

End of the World (LJ 3/26)

...aka the end of the semester. Occasionally I get into a rut, thinking the semester will last forever. And I start to slack off, reasoning I have plenty of time to write that paper, study for that last midterm, finish (or start) my projects. Then I see a calendar and realize that we only have two and a half weeks left! Panic mode. While I just want to be done, there is so MUCH to be done that it is frightening. A lot of it has to do with England. Not only is the proposal coming along sluggishly, but I am leaving for another country in about a month. What is worse is if I fail my comps next month. Then my entire field study is a sham, a waste of time. 

Deep breath.

After breathing for awhile, I realized I'm going to England, not the Kalahari. Yes, culture and people and studying will be different, but manageablely so. Reading Fox is useful and helpful. Not useful in that I'm going to memorize what specific word I am supposed to use to be viewed as a high class citizen, but useful as a small insight to what I should expect. I am not going to stress out about "supper" or "dinner," but it is an interesting insight into class culture, something I want to observe for myself.   

Source (3/26)

Sharma, Gaurav, Terje Haukaas, Robert Hall, and Suraj Priyadarshini. "Bayesian statistics and production reliability assessments for mining operations." International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. 23.3 (2009): 180-205. Electronic.

 Adaptive experimental design depends on Bayesian statistics, so this article was helpful in learning how to apply Bayesian statistics in novel situations. To decide how to change the trial in an adaptive design, researchers need to use data mining as a way see what is applicable. The "utilisation of Bayesian inference facilitates the inclusion of data –and subsequent updating of the production probabilities – as more data become available."

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Source (3/23)

Dr. Peter Muller from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas. "A Bayes Rule for Subgroup Reporting."

Dr. Muller was the speaker at this week's seminar. And his entire talk was on the background to my project. In the presentation, Dr. Muller addresses various problems associated with design analysis and how using a Bayesian framework can help alleviate some of this problems. Subgroups can be picked up in a trial and then, using that preliminary information, determine to push the trial in a different way. In other words, using Bayesian statistics, researchers can change a trial in mid-operation.


As I am still trying to understand what my project will be, this talk was helpful, enabling me to sort through terminology and convoluted wording. I got a better grasp at my problem through this talk.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Guardian (LJ 3/21)

As I won't be in class today, I felt like I at least needed write about the newspaper assignment, focusing primarily on film, photography, and religion. Unfortunately, these typically aren't the sections I read in a US newspaper, so it was difficult (but not impossible) to distinguish the "Englishness" and the differences from American culture. But here are the most interesting headlines and blurbs.




Pro-choice supporters plan first ever protest against anti-abortion activists

Counter-demonstration to be held at British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinic in London targeted by religious groups
"In America women are routinely harassed and abused outside clinics and abortion providers fear for their lives. Now US anti-choice groups are setting up shop over here.
'We need to send a very clear message that we will not tolerate that sort of activity in the UK.'"


Obviously, if this is the first ever protest, the UK does things differently. Not only are protests accepted in the US, they are expected. True, violence isn't condone per se, but it is fairly typical especially with such a divided issue. But in the UK, it isn't tolerated; you should just keep your opinions to yourself.




Church warns against Sunday trading laws being relaxed by the back door

Church leaders fear that Sunday trading laws could be permanently scrapped by the back door, following an “emergency” suspension for the Olympics

I think this is not even an issue in the US. Utah maybe, but not the US. This article shows the importance of tradition in the UK. And even religion. I think that in the US we are so concerned about separating church and state we wouldn't even have this article or concern. 







Beatles' Yellow Submarine relaunches

Apple has digitally remastered the 1968 film, which was out of print for years, and are planning the full reissue treatment


It's the Beatles. Is there anything more British? And yes, that is the photograph included for the promotion. In the US, I think an actual picture of the Beatles would have been included, not pop art.




Harry Potter star jailed for two years for violent disorder during London riots

Jamie Waylett, who played Hogwarts bully Vincent Crabbe, also admitted swigging from a stolen bottle of champagne


Compare this photo and headline to the recent one on both msn and yahoo of Clooney being arrested --for crossing a police line. With Clooney, there was a picture of him actually being arrested. Here, there is only a tiny photo to id him, mostly. And the headline is hardly sensational for poor Crabbe. "Swigging from...champagne"--hardly detrimental by Hollywood standards. 


Photography


In searching for a typical photo, I realized nudity is not much of a problem. Sensual, blatant, or even mundane, it seems to be more integrated in the culture so it is not as much of a problem. Maybe? 



Aside from that, the "typical" photo in the Guardian simply did not have the same amount of raw emotion. For example, the following photographs are about the same story: the Toulouse Jewish school shooting. Both show grieving females, but there is a difference in the emotion and privacy of the subjects.


The first photograph is from the UK Guardian. You can tell she is upset, but there isn't a full face shot of her tears and pain. If you were to met her in the street, you probably would not be able to point her out. 


However, the second photograph gives a close up of two women, both clearly distraught. But the photo  is close up enough that you can see her tears, her scrunched up face, and her red eyes. There is not really an attempt at privacy or discretion. This photos represents the differences in privacy and public emotions in the US and UK.









Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Source (3/21)

Collett, David. Modelling Survival Data in Medical Research. London: Chapman and Hall/CRC. 2003. Print.

This book provides an introduction to survival analysis and experimental design. In order to be able to apply certain statistical principles, the experiment must be set up in particular ways. This provides a succinct introduction to experimental design, giving me a foundation so I can understand how adaptive design differs and what assumptions are different.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Source (3/19)

Paninski, Liam. "Efficient adaptive experimental design." Department of Statistics and Center for Theoretical Neuroscience. Columbia University. March 12, 2009.

Some of the benefits of using adaptive experimental design includes "avoiding the curse of insufficient data," improving nonparametric estimators for the function, and selecting stimuli (under a neuroscience approach) more efficiently. The rest of the article outlines one way to implement an adaptive experimental design for a neuroscience project. Though the topic is not applicable to my project, the practical implementation was helpful. The article helped me see how the theory can be applied in various fields.

Friday, March 16, 2012

IRB drafts (LJ 3/16)

Last night as I was reading over the IRB drafts for the mock IRB, I realized the importance of reviewing anything written before you turn it in. One draft I read logically was consistent, and the project seemed cohesive. But the only thing I could focus on was the sloppiness of the proposal. Comma splices, incomplete sentences, strange capitalizations, misused words (like fare instead of fair), and misspellings in general. I know this is a draft with probably a lot of cut-and-pasting going on, but even so, it seemed as though the writer did not care about the project. In turn, I as the "reviewer"did not care about the project. If the writing is sloppy, I assumed the project was as well. It does not matter if the idea is sound; the communication of that idea needs to be flawless.

As I am working on my own IRB draft and the field study proposal, I need to be careful that my writing and the product of all my work is clean and professional to give an appropriate impression to the "higher powers that may be." Oftentimes, it is just the product of the work (a paper, a presentation, etc.) that gets noticed. Sometimes, I just get sick of the project, and the end work is a little messier than it should be. But it doesn't matter about all the work that went into the project; if the final product is lacking, that it was is reflected on me.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Charming the Gatekeeper (LJ 3/14)

According to Neuman in "Choosing a Site and Gaining Access," it is "ethically and politically astute to call on gatekeepers." For a field study, there are several gatekeepers to call on and charm my way into their hearts. Or at least, their approval of me. First off, there is the gatekeeper of where I will be living. As I do not have any information on that yet, I do not know which of my "charms" I will need to sharpen for that situation. But for the next gatekeeper, he who holds the key to the design study group, I have more concrete data to work with.  I have read his papers and skimmed over his CV. While hardly the end-all to understanding "the inner feelings of others," this helps me gain academic rapport which in turn will help me build social rapport. In order to smoothly enter into the dynamics of the design study research group, I need to charm over the head of the group so he can have something good to say about me when introducing me to others.

To Do: email Dr. Woods. I have to start building rapport and trust because I personally cannot fake "concern for and interest in others...and sharing feelings." So to jump-start my rapport-building, I need to start before I enter the field. Also, I need to practice my "social skills and personal charm." Usually, it takes me months to feel comfortable and trusting around others. I won't have months; I'll have mere weeks. To speed up my usual process of building rapport, there are a few things I can do now to practice. First, I suppose I could try to look less intimidating. Unfortunately, I am told I need to stop glaring or "being cold" all the time. I don't mean to,especially with the glaring. (I had huge glasses and a tiny nose as a child so I had to scrunch my face to keep my glasses on. I guess I never stopped.) So, I apparently need to appear more open (good grief, does that mean I'll have to smile?). Second, I need to practice drumming up a conversation with someone. Time to learn how to chit-chat. And finally, I need to diligent in researching, studying, completing homework, etc. so I do not come across as a good-for-nothing, lazy, entitled American slacker. I can definitely  start practicing that now.

Source (3/16)

Nelson, Nancy J. "Adaptive Clinical Trial Design: Has Its Time Come?" Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 102.16 (2010): 1217-1218. Electronic.

This relatively short article explained about the evolution of adaptive trials. It begins by describing BATTLE, one of the first adaptive design phase II clinical trial. Since then, it has been proven that adaptive designs can work in a "complex trial that assessed multiple drugs and biomarkers and required tissue collection and biomarker analysis." Though there were only 3 or fewer adaptive design studies started per year between 2003 and 2006, in 2007 there were 13, and the numbers are continuing to rise. This rise is perhaps due to the "growing acceptance of the Bayesian statistical framework" which, 10 years ago, was never accepted by the FDA as a valid design analysis.  


Unfortunately, "adaptive trials are great for learning, but are not a panacea." Adaptive designs take an extra 3 months to plan and involve everyone with even an interest in the process. Also, the design demands "an infrastructure to facilitate real-time learning, a flexible drug supply, and frequent data intake." On top of all that, not very many have extensive training in Bayesian theory. There just is not a "big enough sample size to get a definitive result." 


Enter computer simulations, which I will be researching next. 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Source (3/14)

Murphy, S. A. "An experimental design for the development of adaptive treatment strategies." Statistics in Medicine. 24 (2004): 1455-1481

Adaptive treatment strategies use similar ideas as adaptive experimental design. Using experimental trials to develop the decisions in the assigned treatments helps researchers to more quickly discover the optimal treatment schedule for long-term disorders such as hypertension, alcoholism, depression, etc. In addition to making decisions, this article discusses a major challenge in the field, that of delayed effects. 


"The rationale is that the response is optimized by varying treatment type and dosage as a function of measures of time dependent information." This paper helps me understand different aspects of adaptive experimental design. Because I am unfamiliar with the idea of experimental designs, it is useful for me to learn about various facets of the field, such as the delayed effects challenge. 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Source (3/11)

Ferguson, Bradley. Adaptive Threat Detector Testing Using Bayesian Gaussian Process Models. 2010.

This is a project from a master student last year. After meeting with Dr. Reese, he suggested that I read at least the abstract about adaptive experimental design. Adaptive design techniques use preliminary results to decide new dose levels and patient allocation. In addition, when coupled with Gaussian process model, we can determine what concentrations can be used to provide the most information.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Source (3/9)

Chan, Wendy W. Y. "International Cooperation in Higher Education: Theory and Practice." Journal of Studies in International Education. 8.32 (2004): 32-54. Electronic.

"Coupled with the advancement of information technology, the forces of globalisation have transformed the concepts of time and space, and universities are now operating across spatio-temporal boundaries" to be able to compete. The main argument of this article discusses the importance and need of advertising and organizational strategies for universities to compete in the international domain. Again, this article will be incredibly helpful in providing a reason why I need to study abroad in England: "to facilitate mobility of students and scholars and exchange of ideas." Studying and researching abroad is "a process of convergence, particularly in the systemisation of world knowledge...in an infusion of ideas, people, and resources" (Denman, 2000, p.3 ). Also, in reference to BYU, studying "further afield" increases an "institution's influence, visibility" (Denman, 2000).


But the article cautions that not all associations are successful. To ensure success, it is important to have a strong conviction of commitment and support, which I will have. 


Also, this article provided some interesting definitions I had not thought of before.

  • academic association: an organization of academics and their department (or school) "who are united for a common purpose that is related to their professional development."
  • academic consortium: group of academic units (departments, schools) "who are united for the single purpose to fulfill a contract, based on bringing together a number of different areas of specialised knowledge. 








Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Source (3/7)

Beerkens, E. "International Inter-organisational Arrangements in Higher Education: Towards a Typology." Tertiary Education and Management. 8.4 (2002): 297-314. Electronic.

This article was perfect for justifying a field study. It outlines different "arrangements" for international higher education to create a typology of all the many types of international cooperation. Because of the "increased opportunities for interaction through new technologies", there is a greater demand for inter-university interactions. This article also gave me some new terms for academic collaboration so I can have a bit of variety when writing: consortia, networks, alliances, joint venture, expanding organizational boundaries, and associations.


Individuals provide the basis for cooperation in higher education. The "informal links between academics...are probably the oldest--and still most important--form of international cooperation and are apparent in all fields and disciplines." 


"Relevance and quality is [sic] is no longer exclusively determined and judged by peers." Instead, they "require the involvement of representatives from other sectors." Also, international experience is important "due to a growing level of global interconnectedness of economies and other sectors."

"The globalisation of business and markets, the increasing impact and number of international treaties and regulations, the awareness of the global nature of ecological problems, increased international migration are all events that have to be covered and analysed in business studies, economics, law, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, etc. and, therefore, demanding more international interaction."







Monday, March 5, 2012

My Future and Other Woes (LJ 3/5)

Personality insight: I am a dramatic stressor as in if I get a tinny bit stressed-whoosh! All is lost. So this past week has been crazy (pronounced k-ray-zee with three syllables, please).  As a result, I have been flipping out about England. Should I even be going? I could just stay in Provo, get another project, save money. In short, I could just be responsible. And my project still feels like it's in limbo. Everything from the statistics to the communication is murky. Especially daunting was filling out the IRB proposal on Friday. I left waving my white flag. 

Then I got to thinking of why I wanted to do a field study. Yes, it was mostly composed of selfish reasons (i. e. visiting the British Museum, seeing London again, etc.), but there were some academic concerns as well. And I feel a field study is more than just a project in another place. Looking through the past readings especially "What Students Don't Learn Abroad" and "Culture Blends," I realized that what I will learn abroad is worth the pain of working on assignments and IRB approval. Gaining new perspectives and intuitions for life and statistics is worth writing one more learning journal.

In conclusion, I decide not to throw in the towel and to refocus on my project. My mentor is not back from New Mexico yet, but I can start by filling out scholarships and emailing Dr. Woods (which frightens me a bit; yeah don't ask). For the communication portion, I will be focusing on BYU and Southamptons academic communication, not necessarily foreign communication in general.    

Friday, March 2, 2012

Source (3/5)

Ayoubi, Rami M., and Al-Habaibeh, Amin. "An investigation into international business collaboration in higher education organisations: A case study of international partnerships in four UK leading universities." International Journal of Educational Management. 20.5 (2006): 380-396. Electronic.

The main theory behind the article is that education is parallel with business strategies. Specifically, "universities are becoming increasingly business driven with continuous development in the international collaboration and partnerships." This article discusses the implementation of international aspects in UK universities, outlining a "model fo objectives and implementation of international partnership." In and of itself, the article does not pertain to my project exactly. However, the literature review contained many great sources that feed directly into my project. Also, the introduction had some great quotes and arguments for doing a field study. Internationalization is the "inevitable result of different factors...[including]the need to undertake collaborative research...[and] the pursuit of excellence." Studying abroad is "an ideal opportunity to make global education the glue of alliances, relationships, and trans-national [sic] dealings." In addition, "joint research is another important objective over overseas partnerships." For both countries involved, there is "genuine and mutually beneficial partnership" and it is important to "pool expertise and develop critical mass to compete with an international arena."












Thursday, March 1, 2012

Scholastic Affairs? (LJ 3/2)

The other day in class, we were talking about confidentiality in our projects. Though I agree with maintaining confidentiality, I could not really think of a reason in my project of cold statistics and academic communications of why I would need to go to incredible lengths to secure confidentiality. I even joked with Averyl that the only cause of concern would be an inappropriate relationship between a student and a professor. But that doesn't happen, right?

If only.

Anyone see the headlines about a Californian teacher? Who left his wife and kids to move in with an 18 student? Anyone? First off, I just need to say: oh bad, oh disgusting, oh selfish. Yuck. But apparently, there is a need for strenuous  confidentiality. Class and that horrible article made me realize I need to rethink my views on confidence. Now, I am terrified of using any names of people, places, articles, computer programs, anything. Should I even be mentioning Southampton or Dr. Woods? After calming down a bit, I realized I do not need to be so drastic as to change every name. But I cannot be as cavalier as I thought I could. Most certainly, I will need to mask identities of anyone I observe or interview for the academic communication portion. It might be harder to do this for the statistics part (because I kind of want my name on a paper if there is going to be one, and I don't think I can use pseudonyms of any colleagues on the paper), but I need to be open with people on both ends of my project. Those I work with need to know why I am at Southampton and what I am observing. My observations do not need to be blinded; I do not think I will introduce bias into my sample if students and professors know I am observing any academic communications. In fact, it might help as people may voice their opinions without my formally interviewing them.

And above all, I will not go snooping for academic affairs. 

Source (3/2)

Russell, K.G., Eccelston, J.A., Lewis, S.M. and Woods, D.C. "Design considerations for small experiments and simple logistic regression." Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation. 79.1 (2009): 81-91. Electronic.


Though not applicable in every field, occasionally statisticians run into problems with small sample sizes. Experiments with small sample size tend to be more unstable and biases, resulting in poor parameter estimations. These same concerns apply to experimental designs. This paper investigates the "properties of designs for small experiments" and focuses on minimizing the mean squared error in small experiments.

Bias is a concern in statistics. When I work on the theory behind statistical design, it is an important factor to investigate. This paper provides a good mathematical approach to finding optimal designs for experiment while controlling for bias and variance.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Leap Day! (LJ 2/29)

An extra day, one that only exists every four years. And I am spending this one doing homework. Good thing I love statistics or I would be slightly put out. Last week, before I realized how much work I actually needed to do today, I was planning a leap-day party full of chocolate strawberries and watching "Leap Year" with my roommates. Therefore, I somewhat follow the Rules of Leisure according to Kate Fox. True, I am not improving my apartment with a DIY, but my leisure party follows the privacy so desired by the English.

After reading Rules of Play, I think I will mostly like "playing" in England, but only after a hard day's work of statistics of course. I will admit, I do not think I will ever get drunk and fight someone, so I'll have to just observe that form of social interaction. With the private and domestic pursuits, my favorite was "visiting grand country houses." If it is indeed "one of the most popular national pastimes," I will apparently need to make visiting grand country houses a priority in order to fully submerse myself in the English culture. At least now I will not feel quite as guilty for visiting as many as I am planning for the field study. However, I was surprised that such country houses were for the English themselves and not simply for the tourists. Not only do the English visit the houses, they enjoy it. But I won't argue; I think it is a splendid idea. On my study abroad, girls would complain about all the houses we were forced to visit. The complaining never made sense to me. To me, the houses represented a dying way of life, a life of luxury that most will never have. And I love architecture, and some of those English houses are perfect.

Another pastime I am anxious to implement is "the pub."My first time in London, I did not actually visit any pubs. Legally, I was old enough so that cannot be my excuse. Maybe I was too busy visiting grand houses to visit the pubs. Whatever the reason, now that I am armed with the rules of the pub, I am ready to visit as many as possible. Mostly, I think it will be a great opportunity to see the workings of English culture.  

Source (2/29)

Marley, C.J. and D.C. Woods. "A comparison of design and model selection methods for supersaturated designs." Computational Statistics and Data Analysis. 54.12 (2010): 3158-3167. Electronic.


Before developing and running a full-blown experiment, a screening experiment is run to discover active factors so statisticians know what to include in the real experiment. A supersaturated design, "in which the number of factors exceeds the number of runs," is used when a large experiment is impractical. However, there is not enough information about the comparison and evaluation of various methods for supersaturated designs. This paper utilizes simulations using different sample sizes and number of active factors. 


In the paper, it was stated that the "most flexible design construction methods are algorithmic." In other words, simulations studies reign supreme in supersaturated designs. Another helpful aspect of this article was the list of analysis of data, how the simulations were run to obtain the appropriate results. 


Monday, February 27, 2012

Source (2/27)

Biedermann, S. and Woods, D.C. "Optimal designs for generalized nonlinear models with application to second harmonic generation experiments." Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series C. 60.2 (2011): 281-299. Electronic.


The paper extends the theoretical basis for non-linear regression using Bayesian design to cluster design. For experiments where the errors are not believed to be normally distributed, non-linear parametric regression models are needed to "describe the influence of one or more explanatory variables on a response." More specifically, "Generalized non-linear models extend non-linear regression models to allow non-normally distributed error structures." After formulating the procedure, the authors use various tests to determine the robustness of GNM (generalized non-linear models).


This article outlines the mathematical and practical tests statisticians use in determining properties of new theories. If my project tends to the more theoretical side, this provides a wonderful basis for usual tests.  

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Splines in Linear Regression (LJ 2/27)

I worry about you Averyl, having to read some of my learning journals. This one will be brutal. 

A lot of the papers I have read (skimmed) written by Dr. Woods involve modern regression model methods, such as splines (surprisingly, that graph is an example of a linear, truly linear, model using splines). Currently, I am taking a class on modern regression model (although in my case, modern means 1980, so not cutting edge methods like Dr. Woods), and I realized I will definitely need to understand this core material for my project. In order to make sense of what I have learned, I will briefly detail some modern regression methods and how they will relate to my project.

Data is not linear, regardless of how much statisticians wish it were. Yet there is some much clean and intuitive theory about linear models. Mathematically, linearity is optimal. Instead of wading through murky mathematics and kooky calculations (many of which have been proved impossible to solve), statisticians have adapted linear ideas to fit curvy data. Some methods include splines, smoothing kernels, transformations, and automatic smoothers. Current thought on experimental design relies heavily on such methods, especially splines and smoothers. 

Splines: Sometimes, between different experimental groups, the effects of a drug is are different, i.e. the slopes are different. Therefore, one needs to use different lines to predict for the different groups. But you run into problems with continuity, so you extend the basis. (NOTE to self: review linear algebra; Dr. Woods is very mathematical.) When designing experiments, it is important to take the supposed differences into account in order to reduce both variance and bias, the paradigm of statistics.

Smoothers: When the underlying distribution of the points is not a linear, or even a piecewise collection of them,  you can only predict point by point. Using the same knot selection idea as in splines, an alternative approach is to put knots at all distinct x values and control the fit of the line (actual linear line) through regularization. Using a smoother matrix formulated from the data, the effective degrees of freedom can be chosen. In design theory and Dr. Woods papers, there is some comment about the selection of effective degrees of freedom. In class, we use a greedy algorithm to chose them, but I would like to be able to learn more about other efficient and conservative ways in choosing the effective degrees of freedom. 

Such methods are very applicable in design theory, or at least the more sophisticated and elegant relatives of the above methods. It is important for me to have a strong basis in the above methods so I may have somewhere to build from. 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Modeling My Personality (LJ 2/24)


Lately, I feel like I am burned out of ideas. Another learning journal to write? But about what? So I snooped around fellow London-bound students' blogs and gleaned a few ideas. First off, I took the Myers-Briggs personality test. Or some form of it, anyway. As I thought Kayla had a fantastic blog on this, I am going to complete a similar analysis.

Taking the test, I realized there were many principles I wish I could answer "no" to but honor-bounded to the truth, I had to answer "yes." For example, "When solving a problem, you would rather follow a familiar approach than seek a new one. " I study statistics; I should be actively seeking new approaches to solving problems. New ideas and approaches are what drives statistics forward. But I love knowing one approach will work. On the flip side, there were questions I had to answer "no," with "You have good control over your desires and temptations." There is a scrumptious, delicious Ghirardelli brownie in my pantry right now, and I do not think I can hold out much longer.

Enough confessions. My profile from two different tests was surprisingly similar. One stated I was
  1. Very expressed introvert (surprise!)
  2. Slightly  expressed sensing 
  3. Slightly expressed thinking
  4. Slightly expressed judging
The other was claimed I was
  1. 71.43% introverted
  2. 52.94% sensing
  3. 66.67% thinking
  4. 76.92% judging 
Introverted

Though not a deal breaker, being an introvert will complicate my project a wee bit. Fortunately, I am not formally interviewing people, but I still will need to talk with people as I do my participating-observing. However, I will be solely in an academic setting, i .e. working with very few people at a time. Therefore, establishing relationships with my fellow studiers will be slow but doable. Also, being an introvert will be helpful in the statistics half of my project. I will have to work alone (excluding my computer) for hours. In fact, on the careers that matched my profile, statistician was number four. According to myersbriggs.org, I have the capability to "decide logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions." Sounds brilliant for working on statistics.

Sensing/ Intuition (because I basically was fifty-fifty, and I liked the description of both) 
The combination of these two personality traits is basically the definition of statistics. Statisticians focus on the fundamental information and then they interpret the results to add meaning to numbers. In regards to the communication portion, it will be helpful to have the basic definitions and theories of communication and then apply and observe (or not) them in the academic world of establishing collaboration. 

Thinking
Of course I think: "logic and consistency" is all I am about. Not really one for special cases; they always make proofs and theorems ugly and messy. So again, this is advantageous for the statistics portion of my project. As horrible as it is to admit, academic relations are not really about genuine liking, though it does help. Instead, they are formed for the purpose of academic collaboration, so it is helpful to be thorough and dependable in collaborations. My tendency to look at facts first not people may be a stumbling-block in creating rapport with my host family, but the English like their privacy so by the time I am ready to look at the people, they will be willing to open up as well. Hopefully. 

Judging
Specifically, myersbriggs.org determines structure by asking, "In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options?" Honestly, if I stayed open to new information, I would never complete another proof. And yes, my outside world is still statistics, in case you were wondering. Of the four categories, I think this one will be the most difficult in adapting myself to England and different situations. If I am not open to new information or options, it could make the idea of a field study obsolete. Not to mention awkward if I become that horrible, America is the greatest sort of international student. However, I do not think I am like that; I just prefer to have decisions made. I am not necessarily closed to new options, ideas, or information. To be on the safe side, I will take extra care to NOT be closed minded in England. If that is indeed my default, I should be able to override it with a conscious effort to be open minded. 

Source (2/24)

Woods, D.C. and S.M. Lewis. "Continuous optimal designs for generalized linear models under model uncertainty." Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice. 5 (2011): 137-145. Electronic.


With more and more complex data and experiments, linear regression is often "inadequate." Even with the "modern" regression methods such as b-splines and smoothing kernels, standard factorial designs cannot be modeled well. This papers suggests are more exact designs for specific experiments using sophisticated design selection and criterion to allow uncertainty in the link (or knot) functions. The algorithm's efficiency is tested using simulation studies.


Again, this article helps me narrow down the statistics portion of my project. Understanding previous papers written by Dr. Woods helps me create a more solid literature review, helping me to develop my topic-specific information and significance.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Source (2/22)

Woods, Dave and Peter van de Ven. "Blocked Designs for Experiments with Correlated Non-Normal Response." Technometrics. 53.2 (2011): 173-182. Electronic.

In simple linear models, the assumptions are very strict and often unattainable. Often, "many experiments measure a response that cannot be adequately described by a linear model with normally distributed errors." The authors developed a general method of creating efficient blocked designs where the response is distributed as an exponential family using Generalized Estimating Equations. "This methodology is appropriate when the blocking factor is a nuisance variable, as often occurs in industrial experiments." Using both a systematic search and a block optimal design for a Generalized Linear Model, the results are more efficient than using an optimal GLM design.  This article is useful as I am trying to clarify my statistical part of the project. This allows me to gain an idea of the type of projects Dr. Woods is involved with.  

My Project, Take 2 (LJ 2/22)

I was just thinking how wonderful it is when you have no homework due the next day when I remembered I still have a non-stat class. And I have something due. Today. Probably a few hours ago. Oops.

As I was writing my Background, Significance, and Literature Review, I realized some unfortunate issues with my project. To begin with, I had a very, very rough time writing my draft. Though that may in part have been due to the fact I had just finished a grueling test, my paper should have gone more smoothly. Of course, I did not realize as I was writing that I was having issues with my project, not necessarily the writing. After the fact, I am now going to try to absolve my sins in my project.

I realized I have not yet clearly defined either part of my project, rendering the "specific information" very difficult to write. For the communication portion, I have not focused on what I want as the end goal nor on what I am defining as "academic communication". So: as a result of my project, I want to have strengthened the communications between Dr. Woods and BYU. In addition, I want to observe how professor-student communications differ in England as opposed to England. With those observed differences, I want to create a good connection between myself and Dr. Woods, an academic contact that I can continue to utilize in later years. As for the definition of "academic communication," I mean email contact, co-authored papers, weekly meetings, chance encounter conversations, clarifying questions, and presentations. There is probably more I will want to study, but the basic idea is "academic communication" is anything used to develop and sustain an academic relationship.

If possible, my statistics part of my project is even more vague. This is due in part to the fact that my actual project has not been decided. I only know the topic--design. But this in itself can mean anything from experimental design to computer simulations, practical to theoretical. Because I do not yet know what direction I will be pursuing, I cannot create a specific argument as to why I will be contributing to an "academic dialogue" nor can I give substantial "topic-specific information." As much as I would want to clarify my statistics project right now, I can't. At least not at the moment. I need to meet with Dr. Reese (my mentor) to iron out some details, and he may not even know what Dr. Woods wants to work on yet. I am kind of like the work force for part of this project. I just do whatever my professors tell me.

The most unfortunate part of my project is I am still trying to strengthen my argument that I need to do this project in England. Obviously I will have to if I am to work with Dr. Woods, but showing an "understanding of the local context" is a bit difficult. Honestly, I have not determined any "potential sensitivities specific to the culture and topic that may affect [my] field study." Maybe Dr. Woods will be unimpressed with my statistical background and send me back in disgrace? Maybe no one in Southampton will want to have me as an academic contact. Potentially. The project I will eventually work on may be too complex to solve in a summer, or ever. As it is the summer, I may have a difficult time finding students and professors to collaborate with at the university.

With the above clarifications now in place, I should probably re-write my part b. And I most certainly need to talk to Dr. Reese.