The Fundamental Role of Computation in Teaching Statistical Theory

Abstract

What skills, knowledge and habits of mind does a statistician require in order to contribute effectively as an inhabitant of the data science ecosystem? We describe a new course in statistical theory that was developed as part of our consideration of this question. The course is a core requirement in a new curriculum for undergraduate students enrolled in statistics programs of study. Problem solving and critical thinking are developed through both mathematical and computational thinking and all ideas are motivated through questions to be answered from large, open and messy data. Central to the development of the course is the tenet that the use of computation is as fundamental to statistical thinking as the use of mathematics. We describe the course, including its connection to the learning outcomes of our new statistics program of study, and the multiple ways we use and integrate computation.