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.
Friday, March 30, 2012
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 treatmentIt'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 champagneCompare 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?
 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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