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Looking
at the Bright Side of Statistics
Written
By Michelle Kam
assisted by Sarah Wilson
To
most people, looking at a large volume of data that needs
to be statistically analyzed would probably not seem like
such an exciting job. Nevertheless, when you are doing this
because you have been conducting an experiment for your combined
Masters and PHD degree that you have pored your heart into
for the last two years, statistics suddenly don’t seem so
horrible.
I was drawn to science by my curiosity of human interaction
and behaviour. My fascination with evidence and logic also
had an impact on my decision.
Data analysis is an integral part of research in my chosen
field of organizational
psychology at the University of New South Wales.
I am currently conducting research on whether being threatened
with a stereotype negatively impacts personal performance,
and whether inhibition moderates that impact.
So in order to gain greater insight into human behaviour as
a scientist, we rely on the Hypothetico-deductive
model and part of psychology's method of doing
so is to adopt rigorous statistical analyses to gain meaning
from data. Without such data analysis, the world of science
would not be able to advance with reasonable certainty of
how the world exists. As a young researcher, the ability to
make sense of data is very important for my career.
I chose this type of research because I believe that it is
very applicable to the real world. Stereotypes are common
and pervasive, and making sense of their impact is important
in workplaces, in general social functioning and in everyday
tasks like driving. The road rage epidemic is a perfect example
of stereotypical behaviour towards certain drivers.
When I finish my Masters and PhD, I would like to work in
either organisational psychology or community health, looking
at large scale and community level change and psychology.
The most rewarding experience is stepping back and looking
at the big picture of science and in particular psychology.
Gaining a big picture view of psychology provides motivation
and creates interest which are the most important things in
a driving career in science.
Curiosity, persistence, interest, drive for knowledge and
a love of research are the key motivators in this field. A
great scientist must find the answers to any question posed
in an ethical manner. |
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