Reflection: This Course Has Provided Me With A New Perspecti

Reflectionthis Course Has Provided Me With A Different Perspective Of

Reflectionthis Course Has Provided Me With A Different Perspective Of

Reflectionthis Course Has Provided Me With A Different Perspective Of

Reflection This course has provided me with a different perspective of what statistics is. As Heiman stated, “understanding statistics is necessary for comprehending other people’s research and for understanding your chosen field of study” (Heiman, 2015, p. 3). Over the past six weeks, my perception of statistics has changed. I learned that statistics are everywhere and that we can’t make assumptions. Every scenario requires a different test depending on what you are comparing. Some studies require a one-tailed test, a two-tailed test, ANOVA, and others. Sometimes we may have a perception of what we think will be the result but after performing the test, you can end up with a different result and not what you expected. Three ways I can apply what I learned in my personal and professional life are by collecting, analyzing, and organizing any data before coming to conclusions. This is very important for any plan that I have in my life.

Applying what I learned in this course to social change is very important. In the “Expanding Our Understanding of Social Change report”, one of the features of social change that impacted me is Attitudes. According to the authors, “Humane ethics is a system of moral principles that guide human conduct with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions” (Callahan et al., 2012, p. 6). Collecting data on emotional effects and then analyzing the data will help me come up with ways to help other people. Therefore, understanding the importance of conducting research will not only help me, but it would also help me make a change in society.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the significance of statistics in research and everyday decision-making is a vital component of contemporary education and social progress. My engagement with this course has significantly transformed my perception of statistics from a complex, intimidating subject to a practical, indispensable tool for analyzing data, understanding research, and fostering social change. As Heiman (2015) articulates, “understanding statistics is necessary for comprehending other people’s research and for understanding your chosen field of study,” which underscores the importance of statistical literacy in multiple domains of life.

Initially, I viewed statistics primarily as a mathematical discipline characterized by formulas and calculations, often associated with academic or scientific research. However, through this course, I have come to recognize that statistics permeate all aspects of life, from healthcare and business to social sciences and public policy. The realization that every scenario demands a specific statistical test — such as one-tailed, two-tailed tests, or ANOVA — has broadened my understanding of the nuanced approach required in data analysis. For example, in clinical research, selecting the appropriate test ensures valid conclusions, reinforcing the importance of understanding the conditions under which different tests are applied (Levin et al., 2018). This knowledge underscores that assumptions without proper testing can lead to erroneous conclusions, emphasizing the critical role of analytical rigor.

Furthermore, I have learned that statistical results can challenge preconceived notions. For instance, my expectations about outcomes based on intuition may differ significantly from empirical results obtained through proper testing. This realization is crucial in both professional and personal decision-making, as it promotes a culture of data-driven analysis over subjective judgment. Applying this understanding, I plan to rigorously collect, analyze, and organize data before making conclusions in my personal projects and professional endeavors, ensuring more accurate and reliable outcomes (Fowler, 2020). This disciplined approach will be instrumental in projects such as business planning, health management, and community initiatives.

Beyond individual applications, the importance of statistics extends to social change — a perspective I deeply value gained from this course. In particular, the report “Expanding Our Understanding of Social Change” emphasizes that aspects like attitudes significantly influence societal transformation (Callahan et al., 2012). Attitudes, defined as morally guided systems of principles determining right and wrong actions, can be understood and influenced through careful data collection and analysis of emotional and behavioral responses (Ajzen, 2012). By quantifying attitudes and emotional responses, researchers can develop targeted interventions to foster positive social change, such as promoting human ethics and humane treatment in communities.

The practical implications of this knowledge are vast. As a future researcher or social advocate, I am now better equipped to gather data on public perceptions and emotional reactions to social issues. For example, in campaigns addressing mental health or social justice, measuring attitudes before and after interventions provides critical feedback for refining strategies. This data-driven approach helps ensure that initiatives are effective, culturally sensitive, and ethically grounded (Bryman, 2016). Moreover, understanding the role of ethical considerations in research further reinforces the importance of conducting studies responsibly, with respect for participants and societal norms (Resnik, 2018).

In conclusion, this course has profoundly reshaped my understanding of statistics from a purely academic field to a powerful instrument for personal growth, professional development, and social change. The ability to analyze data critically and ethically enables me to make informed decisions, advocate for effective policies, and contribute to societal progress. Embracing a statistical mindset encourages continuous learning and vigilance against biases and assumptions, ultimately fostering a more informed and equitable society. As I move forward, I am committed to applying these skills ethically and effectively, recognizing the vital role of statistics in shaping a better world.

References

• Ajzen, I. (2012). Confidence, personal efficacy, and attitude change. In D. Albarracín & B. T. Johnson (Eds.), The handbook of attitudes (pp. 237-256). Routledge.
• Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
• Callahan, D., Wilson, E., Birdsall, I., Estabrook-Fishinghawk, B., Carson, G., Ford, S., Ouzts, K., & Yob, I. (2012). Expanding our understanding of social change: A report from the definition task force of the HLC special emphasis project. Walden University.
• Fowler, F. J. (2020). Survey research methods. Sage publications.
• Heiman, G. (2015). Behavioral Sciences STAT (2nd ed.). Cengage.
• Levin, J., Fox, J. A., & Nickerson, C. (2018). Elementary statistics in social research. Sage Publications.
• Resnik, D. B. (2018). The ethics of research with human subjects: Protecting human research subjects. AJOB empirical bioethics, 9(3), 144-152.