JSM 2004 - Toronto

Abstract #302057

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Activity Number: 443
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Thursday, August 12, 2004 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
Abstract - #302057
Title: Use of R as a Toolbox for Mathematical Statistics Education
Author(s): Nicholas J. Horton*+ and Elizabeth R. Brown
Companies: Smith College and University of Washington
Address: Dept. of Mathematics, Northampton, MA, 01063-0001,
Keywords: statistical computing
Abstract:

The R language, a freely available environment for statistical computing and graphics is widely used in many fields. This "expert-friendly" system has a powerful command language and programming environment, combined with an active user community. We discuss how R is ideal as a platform to support experimentation in mathematical statistics, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Using a series of case studies and activities, we describe how R can be utilized in a mathematical statistics course as a toolbox for experimentation. Examples include the calculation of a running variance, maximization of a nonlinear function, resampling of a statistic, simple Bayesian modeling, sampling from multivariate normal, and estimation of power. These activities, often requiring only 10-20 lines of code, offer the student the opportunity to explore statistical concepts and experiment. In addition, they provide an introduction to the framework and idioms available in this rich environment.

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