==== (Archived) Math 570 final project guidelines ====

The final project for [[people:qiao:teach:570-f2014|Math 570]] assumes the role of final exam, and consists of:

  - finding an interesting multivariate dataset;
  - choosing scientific questions of interest;
  - answering the questions by appropriate multivariate analysis techniques;
  - conveying your findings of the analysis to broader audience by writing a final report.


=== Steps ===
  - Report your team members by October 3 by email. **You are asked to form teams of two.**
  - Project proposal report due on November 7 in writing.\\ Your project proposal should include (i) description of the dataset, (ii) scientific questions, and (iii) plans on which statistical tools to analyze the data.  
  - Final report due on December 5. 


=== For the final report ===
The final report consists of
  - Abstract: A (at most) page-long summary of your project, explaining the data of interest, scientific questions, the methods, and the findings, in non-technical terms.
  - Main part: An introduction to the underlying problem which briefly summarizes the motivation and goal of the work; A section explaining the data; A section detailing the steps of the analysis and the findings; A section discussing alternative plans and secondary findings if any.

Each final report will **be read out loud** in class and be commented and discussed.

Computer programming code is not a part of the final report. A final report is an article readable by a general reader with some scientific background.

=== Special writing tips ===

Students are advised to read the following book and report before writing the report.
  - [[http://www.amazon.com/The-Elements-Style-Fourth-Edition/dp/020530902X|The Elements of Style]] by Strunk and White - only 7 dollars on Amazon and multiple copies are available in the library as well.
  - {{people:qiao:teach:marron.pdf|Effective writing in mathematical statistics}} by Marron.