Key Info and Announcements

Modified

February 26, 2025

Last class: Lesson 13: Model selection

  • We discussed why model selection is important
    • We cannot maximize the number of variables in the model
    • We need to balance the bias-variance trade off
  • We discussed how motivation for our research will guide our model selection technique
    • Association vs. prediction
      • Association: want to limit the number of covariates so we can get a more precise estimate (less variamce)
      • Prediction: want to create a model that will help us with an accurate prediction of our outcome (less bias)
  • We discussed several model selection techniques
    • Focus on purposeful selection today

Announcements

  • SPH Annual conference!
  • I’m really behind on the muddy points!
    • I have an hour today to work on them
  • Reviewed the midterm feedback
    • Thanks for your kinda words and constructive criticism
    • I know this was really delayed - won’t see changes this quarter
    • Makes me happy that many of you are benefitting from the flexible design of course
    • Asking questions over Echo360
      • I am sorry about this - running the class through Echo360 is really helpful to minimize the administrative work I need to do with Webex
      • Also helps prevent my own human mistakes - no more forgetting to record
  • Poster instructions are ready to go!
    • There are examples (not exactly following our guidelines)
    • There is a template for PPT and QMD
  • On 3/17, we will have a poster day!!
    • I will order some pizza!
    • Feel free to bring extra snacks!
    • You will need to informally print your poster (see instructions)
      • Printed poster does not necessarily need to be what you turn in that night
    • Meant to be a relaxed environment - no grading attached to it other than attendance (unless you spoke to me about previous commitments)
    • You’ll be able to see others’ work and discuss different research questions!

Key Dates

  • HW 4 due 2/28
  • Lab 4 due 3/7
  • HW 5 due 3/14
  • Project poster due 3/17