An Exploratory Data Analysis of a Graduate Student (N=1)

• Activity Number: 154
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, July 30, 2012 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: JSM 2012 Host Local Chapter - San Diego
• Author(s): Alden Gross*+
• Companies: Institute for Aging Research
• Keywords: longitudinal analysis ; data management ; exploratory analysis

Abstract

We are at the precipice of a nationwide epidemic. According to the US Department of Education, the number of secondary degree-granting institutions rose 35% between 1980 and 2007. During this time, the annual incidence of new doctorates nearly doubled to 63,712 in 2007-08, and is expected to increase another 42% by 2019. Earning an advanced degree in any field is an awe-inspiring accomplishment. But what goes on during the experience? This poster explores the life of a graduate student using a case example, and goes on to address more generally how we measure such an experience. We take advantage of 400 years of data on marriage and mortality, in addition to 17 years of meticulously catalogued electronic and paper documents from 5th grade through graduate school for a single graduate subject to address several questions. Why does graduate school take so long? (Side projects are all-consuming.) Are you missing out on other experiences in life? (Inconclusive, but probably.) Does higher education increase your productivity? (No, but staying in one place for too long does.) What does a final thesis look like? (A scholarly picture book. Don't worry: it need not be War and Peace.)