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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Influences Of Probability Instruction On Undergraduates' Understanding Of Counting Processes, Kayla Blyman Jan 2017

Influences Of Probability Instruction On Undergraduates' Understanding Of Counting Processes, Kayla Blyman

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

Historically, students in an introductory finite mathematics course at a major university in the mid-south have struggled the most with the counting and probability unit, leading instructors to question if there was a better way to help students master the material. The purpose of this study was to begin to understand connections that undergraduate finite mathematics students are making between counting and probability. By examining student performance in counting and probability, this study provides insights that inform future instruction in courses that include counting and probability. Consequently, this study lays the groundwork for future inquiries in the field of undergraduate …


Estimated Probability Of Becoming A Case Of Drug Dependence In Relation To Duration Of Drug-Taking Experience: A Function Approach, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, James C. Anthony Jun 2015

Estimated Probability Of Becoming A Case Of Drug Dependence In Relation To Duration Of Drug-Taking Experience: A Function Approach, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, James C. Anthony

Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya

Measured as elapsed time from first use to dependence syndrome onset, the estimated 'induction interval' for cocaine clearly is short relative to the cannabis interval, but little is known about risk of becoming dependent when use persists. Published estimates for this facet of drug dependence epidemiology are from life histories elicited years after first use. To improve estimation, we turn to new data from nationally representative samples of newly incident drug users identified via probability sampling and confidential computer-assisted self-interviews for the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 2004-2013. Standardized modules assess first and most recent use, and dependence …


Assessing The Probability That A Finding Is Genuine For Large-Scale Genetic Association Studies, Chia-Ling Kuo, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, Dmitri V. Zaykin May 2015

Assessing The Probability That A Finding Is Genuine For Large-Scale Genetic Association Studies, Chia-Ling Kuo, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, Dmitri V. Zaykin

Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya

Genetic association studies routinely involve massive numbers of statistical tests accompanied by P-values. Whole genome sequencing technologies increased the potential number of tested variants to tens of millions. The more tests are performed, the smaller P-value is required to be deemed significant. However, a small P-value is not equivalent to small chances of a spurious finding and significance thresholds may fail to serve as efficient filters against false results. While the Bayesian approach can provide a direct assessment of the probability that a finding is spurious, its adoption in association studies has been slow, due in part to the ubiquity …


Natural Phenomena As Potential Influence On Social And Political Behavior: The Earth’S Magnetic Field, Jackie R. East Jan 2014

Natural Phenomena As Potential Influence On Social And Political Behavior: The Earth’S Magnetic Field, Jackie R. East

Theses and Dissertations--Political Science

Researchers use natural phenomena in a number of disciplines to help explain human behavioral outcomes. Research regarding the potential effects of magnetic fields on animal and human behavior indicates that fields could influence outcomes of interest to social scientists. Tests so far have been limited in scope. This work is a preliminary evaluation of whether the earth’s magnetic field influences human behavior it examines the baseline relationship exhibited between geomagnetic readings and a host of social and political outcomes. The emphasis on breadth of topical coverage in these statistical trials, rather than on depth of development for any one model, …


Use Of P-Values To Evaluate The Probability Of A Genuine Finding In Large-Scale Genetic Association Studies, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, Qing Lu, Chia-Ling Kuo, Dmitri V. Zaykin Oct 2013

Use Of P-Values To Evaluate The Probability Of A Genuine Finding In Large-Scale Genetic Association Studies, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, Qing Lu, Chia-Ling Kuo, Dmitri V. Zaykin

Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya

To claim the existence of an association in modern genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a nominal P-value has to exceed a stringent Bonferroni-adjusted significance level. Despite strictness of the correction, a significant P-value does not indicate high probability that the claimed association is genuine. A simple Bayesian solution -- the False Positive Report Probability (FPRP) -- was previously proposed to convert the observed P-value to the corresponding probability of no true association. Although the FPRP solution is highly popular, it does not reflect probability that a particular finding is false. Here, we offer a simple POFIG method -- a Probability that …