Is Poor Performance in Probability/Statistics an Indication I am Bad at Math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of poor performance in a specific math course, Probability and Statistics, and whether it reflects on overall mathematical ability. Participants explore the nature of different mathematical disciplines and personal experiences related to math performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their background in electrical engineering and expresses concern that a poor grade in Probability and Statistics might indicate a lack of mathematical ability.
  • Another participant argues that poor performance in a single math course does not necessarily reflect overall math ability, citing a personal example of a friend who excelled in other areas but struggled in real analysis.
  • Some participants note that Probability and Statistics differ significantly from more theoretical math courses, suggesting that strengths may vary across different mathematical fields.
  • There is a suggestion that personal interest and enjoyment in math should guide decisions about taking further courses, regardless of past performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a single poor performance does not define overall mathematical ability, but there are differing views on the implications of this for future math studies and the nature of different mathematical disciplines.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention personal experiences and mental blocks, but do not resolve the underlying assumptions about the relationship between performance in specific courses and overall math ability.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering further studies in mathematics or related fields, particularly those who have experienced challenges in specific math courses.

sweetpotato
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Hi all, I've been reading the posts and you guys give good advice :)

I am a senior majoring in electrical engineering, but due to having a lot of AP credit coming into college I'm going to have a lot of time for electives next year.

When I was in middle school/ high school I wanted to be a mathematician, but unfortunately I ended up settling for EE because it's perceived as more practical. I want to use my senior year to take a lot courses in math and see if I still enjoy it as much as I used to.

I did well (B's, B+'s) in all the math courses I had to take for engineering except for Probability and Statistics (D+). That was for two reasons: 1) personal problems that I was experiencing 2) I had a hard time understanding the material, and didn't put enough effort into trying to teach the material to myself. I was wondering if doing poorly in probability/statistics is any indication that I should never take another math course.

In my opinion probability and statistics is somewhat different from other parts of math (e.g. abstract algebra, topology) and so maybe I'm just not good at this one particular topic?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
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Not doing well in one math course tells nothing about your math ability. For example, I had a friend who was very good at math (taken grad school level topology and algebra while he was an undergrad) did terrible in real analysis class. Despite this, I still believe he is a great math student.

I also agree that probability and statistics is quite different from more theoretical math courses like you mentioned, but others might have different opinions. Theoretical math courses hardly have any application to real world, whereas probability and stats have plenty of real world applications.

I'd say if you are interested in taking more math and if you have time, go for it.
 
There are lots of different kinds of mathematicians with different strengths and weaknesses, different likes and dislikes. If you enjoy other areas of maths and want to do it, don't let this course put you off.

It's always interesting to try and understand one's own mental blocks with an eye to overcoming them, but this shouldn't put you off at all!
 
Thanks for the help! I think I will give some other math classes a shot.
 

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