Sample Essay On Self Assessment

As a science student, one is often expected to have quantitative and logical reasoning, while addressing issues or problems in work. Shavelson, in his book “Statistical Reasoning for Behavioral Sciences” says that quantitative reasoning is a component of the ‘assessment triangle’. Each of the three vertices of the triangle being: observation, quantitative reasoning and inference respectively. Documentation has been an important part of my work, and quantitative and logical reasoning is needed to communicate effectively through these documents. To have this quantitative approach it is necessary to have a sound working knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
Statistic will prove useful for all those who have to deal with some kind of data (Newman). In this course we dealt with topics like: creating, solving and interpreting basic mathematical model; making sound argument based on the mathematical models; effectively communicating the substance and meaning of the mathematical problem and solution. All of this helped improve our quantitative reasoning. On the other hand topic which helped to: identify and analyze elements in the argument; evaluate the consistency, validity and sufficiency of these argument; and finally drawing conclusions, helped in improving ones logical thinking. When I reflect at my own ability in this area, I still need to work on the communication and making argument parts of my logical reasoning abilities.
My initial approach to dissertation topic has changed after taking this course. In quantitative reasoning one needs to be sure of what question one is answering, and also the hypothesis one intends to test. Clarity and understanding is very important before we even start solving a research question. This course helped me redefine my topic and make it more specific.
Using statistical packages like SPSS (Foster) had made me realize that, all I need to known is: the test to choose and to code the data. The tough calculation part and the summary can be done by the computer.
As a resident, I find this course very useful. It has put me on track. I have registered for this course in my next residency as well. I expect it to be useful. Very often, I read research articles and wonder the significance of the finding, and during such instances I believe that, statistics knowledge will come to my aid.

References:

1. Foster, Jeremy J. Data Analysis for Using SPSS for Windows Version 8 to 10 a Beginner’s Guide.London: Sage Publication,2001.Print
2. Newman, Isadore. Conceptual Statistics for Beginners. 3rd ed. Lanham, Md.:USA,2006.Print
3.Shavelson,Richard J. Statistical Reasoning for the Behavioral Sciences. Boston : Allyn and Bacon,1981.23. Print.