Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 10 of 10
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Hockey Card Statistics Are Stagnant And Stale, Egan J. Chernoff
Hockey Card Statistics Are Stagnant And Stale, Egan J. Chernoff
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
The purchase of a coffee at a Canadian institution, Tim Hortons, turned into an informal investigation into hockey card statistics. Turns out, hockey card statistics are stagnant and stale. This was disappointing to see because the game of hockey has changed, the statistics used to keep track of the game have changed. Even the cards have changed. Well, not the back of the cards, which do not well enough paint a statistical picture of the hockey player photographed on the front of the card.
The Limits Of Data Science, David E. Drew
The Limits Of Data Science, David E. Drew
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Data science can contribute valuable predictions in diverse fields. But I write to express some concerns and red flags. I suggest that data science is being oversold. This article contains three questions that I believe data science must address as this new discipline matures. Is data science significantly different from statistics? This is a question that has haunted the field since the term first was introduced. By creating algorithms based on current societal decision rules that may be biased, even bigoted, does data science lock in and exacerbate inequality? Scholars have identified a continuum from data to information to knowledge …
Spurious Correlation Sestina, Jules Nyquist
Spurious Correlation Sestina, Jules Nyquist
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
This is a sestina poem about Spurious Correlations with a magical realism angle for beginning students learning statistics for the first time during the COVID pandemic.
So Long My Friend, Bryan Mcnair
So Long My Friend, Bryan Mcnair
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
No abstract provided.
The Uncertainty Of Confidence, Michael J. Leach
The Uncertainty Of Confidence, Michael J. Leach
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
This is a free-verse poem about the estimation of population parameters in statistical models. The spacing of words is intended to reflect uncertainty.
Three Creativity-Fostering Projects Implemented In A Statistics Class, Margaret Adams
Three Creativity-Fostering Projects Implemented In A Statistics Class, Margaret Adams
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Undergraduates in an introductory statistics class at a rural Southeastern college were assigned three creativity-fostering projects: statistics vocabulary crossword puzzle, word wall, and graffiti art poster. Given math anxiety, fear of failure, and lack of enthusiasm, it seemed imperative to spark interest and involvement. Rhodes 4P’s model (1961) served as the framework for this intrinsic case study involving 62 students. Independent thinking and research, peer collaboration, and use of art supplies within this model (person, press, process and product) generated remarkable learning outcomes. Grading rubrics focused on originality, quality and statistics content. Projects were classified into three qualitative categories ranging …
Mathematics Versus Statistics, Mindy B. Capaldi
Mathematics Versus Statistics, Mindy B. Capaldi
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Mathematics and statistics are both important and useful subjects, but the former has maintained prominence in the American education system. On the other hand, statistics is more prevalent in daily life and is an increasingly marketable subject to know. This article gives a personal history of one mathematician’s bumpy road to learning and teaching statistics. Additionally, arguments for how and why to include statistics in the K-12 and college curricula are provided.
Ladies' Night, Robert Dawson
Ladies' Night, Robert Dawson
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
"Lady" Jane is an expert at her racket. The Joint Statistical Meetings are in Vegas, and she reckons it's payday. But she's taking on the professionals.
The Battle Against Malaria: A Teachable Moment, Randy K. Schwartz
The Battle Against Malaria: A Teachable Moment, Randy K. Schwartz
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
Malaria has been humanity’s worst public health problem throughout recorded history. Mathematical methods are needed to understand which factors are relevant to the disease and to develop counter-measures against it. This article and the accompanying exercises provide examples of those methods for use in lower- or upper-level courses dealing with probability, statistics, or population modeling. These can be used to illustrate such concepts as correlation, causation, conditional probability, and independence. The article explains how the apparent link between sickle cell trait and resistance to malaria was first verified in Uganda using the chi-squared probability distribution. It goes on to explain …
Mathematics And The Hunger Games, Michael A. Lewis
Mathematics And The Hunger Games, Michael A. Lewis
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
The Hunger Games plot features a dystopian future in which twelve outer districts are oppressed by a centralized capital. The story focuses on the heroism of a sixteen-year-old girl named Katniss and how she tries to rise above the oppression that she experiences. It also features a special lottery and other twists that are sources of mathematical interest. This essay focuses on some of the mathematical issues raised by The Hunger Games in an effort to show that this story can be used to teach students (as well as other interested parties) some important concepts from mathematics.