Is studying a little bit of statistics worth it?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of studying statistics, particularly AP Statistics, for a high school student aspiring to pursue a career in mathematics or physics. Participants explore the potential benefits of acquiring statistical knowledge, its applicability in various fields, and personal experiences with the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in self-studying AP Statistics to enhance career choices and mathematical skills, noting the unique "language" of statistics.
  • Another participant asserts that statistics is widely applicable across sciences, suggesting its importance.
  • Some participants mention that while AP Statistics may not be calculus-based and could be perceived as boring, it can still be beneficial for future studies in college.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of taking a non-calculus statistics course, describing it as lacking in mathematical depth and engaging content.
  • Several participants emphasize the usefulness of basic statistics in changing perspectives and understanding experimental science, particularly for those interested in physics or applied math.
  • One participant argues that while basic statistics may not significantly broaden career options, advanced statistics and probability would be more beneficial.
  • Another participant recounts their struggle with AP Statistics, finding the rules inconsistent and challenging, despite passing the exam.
  • There is a discussion about the choice between taking Calculus III or Linear Algebra in the following summer, with varying opinions on which would be more advantageous.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the value of studying statistics, with some advocating for its importance and others questioning its impact on career opportunities. There is no consensus on whether AP Statistics is engaging or beneficial, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the perceived difficulty and engagement level of statistics courses can vary based on individual mathematical backgrounds and preferences. The discussion also highlights the distinction between basic and advanced statistics, with differing views on their relevance and application.

guss
Messages
246
Reaction score
0
I'm going to be a senior in high school next year, and I'm thinking about self-studying AP Statistics. I want to be some sort of mathematician or physicist, and I am thinking that having the equivalent of a first-year course in college statistics will significantly broaden my career choices and math skills. There also seems to be a lot of math "language" that is unique to statistics and not often found in other parts of math, so I will have to learn a lot of that too.

Would studying this be worth it? I'm starting out with no stats knowledge, and I'm just going to study from Khan Academy's videos.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, definitely. Statistics is one of the most widely applicable tools for any science.
 
I would definitely try it. I've never heard of anyone liking AP stats though. I never took it, but I know that it isn't calculus based and therefore might be a little dry. As for it opening career options? No single class you take in high school will do that. But if you like it you might choose to do more in college, which will broaden your science education for sure. It's particularly helpful for actuarial science, which you might choose to do if you like math.
 
For what it's worth. This semester I needed to fill a 3 credit elective, and so I took Statistical Methods (3CR course), which I believe is essentially the same as a high school non-calculus stats course. (I just wanted to get introduced to some terminology, plus, it beats taking tennis or something).

Anyway, it was amazingly boring. There was very little math involved. We only briefly touched on probability and other remotely interesting topics. The rest of the course was spent on normal distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and all that.

This was non-calculus stats, the only pre-req was college algebra or equiv. May or may not be like the course you are talking about.
 
Thanks guys. I think I will just start the course and take it really slowly. If it gets really boring, I might stop and spend my time studying linear algebra or something instead.
 
AP Stats is easy, easy, easy. But, it is also useful. Knowing basic stats will change the way you think about things.
 
guss said:
Thanks guys. I think I will just start the course and take it really slowly. If it gets really boring, I might stop and spend my time studying linear algebra or something instead.

How about if it gets really boring, you stick with it anyways. Don't get me wrong, linear algebra is great (and you'll end up needing it if you go far enough in stats), but if I had to pick just one, I'd strongly suggest stats.
 
Alright, I guess I better start studying this summer before school starts, then just go over everything during the school year bi-weekly or so to keep it fresh, along with learning new material.

I wish collegeboard offered AP exams in the fall. So stupid that they only offer them once a year.
 
Locrian said:
How about if it gets really boring, you stick with it anyways. Don't get me wrong, linear algebra is great (and you'll end up needing it if you go far enough in stats), but if I had to pick just one, I'd strongly suggest stats.

Coming from an actuary (correct me if I'm wrong though, I thought I read about you being one somewhere 'round here)!

2018 said:
AP Stats is easy, easy, easy. But, it is also useful. Knowing basic stats will change the way you think about things.
Quoted for emphasis, especially the last bit. It's very very important if you're thinking of doing anything with physics or applied math. Even if you're not going to go into science, it's probably a really good idea because it shows you how actual [experimental] science is done (which is extremely useful knowledge to have).
 
  • #10
guss said:
I want to be some sort of mathematician or physicist, and I am thinking that having the equivalent of a first-year course in college statistics will significantly broaden my career choices and math skills.

It won't really. However having the equivalent of a third-year course in statistics and probability will help you a lot, and it will be easier to teach yourself/take a course in advanced statistics if you have learned basic statistics.

Would studying this be worth it?

Yes.
 
  • #11
In my opinion, I thought AP Stats was rather difficult. Then again, I am not a mathematically minded person. I felt as if the rules of stats are not consistent at all (I didn't know when to do one test vs. another). I ended up passing the AP exam with a three though, my lowest score ever:frown:
 
  • #12
Ok, one other questions. Next summer I plan on either taking Calculus III or Linear Algebra at a local college. I will have hopefully gotten at least a 4 or a 5 on the BC Calc exam (equivalent to Calculus II), and I plan to study physics (or something like it) in college.

Which one should I take, Calc III or Linear Algebra? On one hand it would be pretty cool to basically be done with calculus, but on the other it would be nice to get a start in linear algebra. Right now I'm leaning towards Calc III because then I would be 100% prepared for differential equations and linear algebra, and I will have just completed BC Calc so stuff will be fresh in my head.
 
  • #13
chez_butt23 said:
Then again, I am not a mathematically minded person. I felt as if the rules of stats are not consistent at all (I didn't know when to do one test vs. another). I ended up passing the AP exam with a three though, my lowest score ever:frown:

Or maybe you are too mathematically minded.

One reason that advanced statistics and probability courses are cool is that you end up learning the basic principles behind basic statistics courses. A lot of basic statistics are just "plug and chug". In this situation, take these numbers, do this, and put them into this formula. The reason for this is that most statistics jobs involve "take these numbers, do this, and plug them into this formula." DO NOT MESS WITH THE FORMULA.

It's not until you get into higher level classes where they go into why the formulas are what they are.
 

Similar threads

Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
8K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Uncertainty in pursuing Engineering
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Admissions Independent Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math exams
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Studying I have some epic math goals and creating a study plan
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K