Interview question regarding stats

[anotherriver]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all, I'm preparing for my interviews and how detailed should I know about the stats part of the thesis that I wrote? I just did simple Pearson correlations, is that enough?
"please tell me about the stats part"
"I just ran the Pearson correlations"
Cool?

 

[researchgirl]

I'd say with 99% confidence that's ok. But a follow up question might be "Why did you choose Pearson's correlations?"

 

[deleted176373]

Expect to be asked more creative questions like,

If you were to run this as a longitudinal design what statistics would you might have considered instead of a simple correlation? (you might chose to stay with correlation, but you should have a reason for it.)

or

So did your correlation prove that x caused y? (trick question, correlations show a relationship but don't establish causality.)

or

What would you have needed to change in your study to run use a regression analysis?


Expect followup questions, and expect to get stumped. How you answer when you don't know the answer is as important as answering correctly.

Mark

 

[deleted176373]

I'd say with 99% confidence that's ok. But a follow up question might be "Why did you choose Pearson's correlations?"

I don't like Spearman, is that a good answer? 😉

 

[anotherriver]

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[hamsterpants]

Expect to be asked more creative questions like,

If you were to run this as a longitudinal design what statistics would you might have considered instead of a simple correlation? (you might chose to stay with correlation, but you should have a reason for it.)

or

So did your correlation prove that x caused y? (trick question, correlations show a relationship but don't establish causality.)

or

What would you have needed to change in your study to run use a regression analysis?


Expect followup questions, and expect to get stumped. How you answer when you don't know the answer is as important as answering correctly.

Mark

Hey Mark et al,

Do you think it is typical to be asked detailed stats questions at an interview?
(assuming one did not write an undergrad/ MA thesis)

Thanks.

 

[cara susanna]

I sure as heck wasn't, but YMMV.

 

[paramour]

Hey Mark et al,

Do you think it is typical to be asked detailed stats questions at an interview?
(assuming one did not write an undergrad/ MA thesis)

Thanks.

I had completed a master's thesis, and I wasn't asked any stats questions beyond my experience (i.e., prior coursework) when I expressed interest in more advanced stats w/ some of the POIs.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I sure as heck wasn't, but YMMV.

Neither was I, and in the multiple interviews in which I've participated, stats-related questions have never been asked. Not to say that it doesn't, or won't, happen, but I would wager that it's not the norm.

However, if you're applying to clinical-scientist programs, it might come up more frequently.

 

[deleted176373]

Hey Mark et al,

Do you think it is typical to be asked detailed stats questions at an interview?
(assuming one did not write an undergrad/ MA thesis)

Thanks.

Not really, but if you bring it up and act as if you know something about statistics, you certainly may end up discussing methods and stats. I did once or twice out of all the interviews, but it was rare.

Mark

 

[Wildcat06]

Neither was I, and in the multiple interviews in which I've participated, stats-related questions have never been asked. Not to say that it doesn't, or won't, happen, but I would wager that it's not the norm.

However, if you're applying to clinical-scientist programs, it might come up more frequently.

I applied to clinical-scientist and research heavy scientist practitioner schools and I don't remember having any stats questions. Then again, I didn't have a thesis...

 

[PsychPhDone]

You probably won't be asked about the stats unless you bring it up. If you're nervous, maybe recap and prepare a "statement" with your thesis advisor.