Undergraduate Seminar (398-0-20)
Topic
Statistical Analysis in Sports
Instructors
Thomas Severini
847.467.1254
2006 Sheridan Road/Room 305/Department of Statistics
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 213: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
Topic: Statistical Analysis in Sports
This course will consider the use of formal statistical methods to analyze data from baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and other sports and to use such analyses to address sports-based questions. Statistical methods that are particularly useful in analyzing sports data will be presented, including models with random effects, logistic regression, and tree-based methods. We will also discuss the application of mathematical and statistical methods to the analysis of daily fantasy sports. Students will be expected to formulate their own sports-related research questions and to conduct the appropriate statistical analyses to answer them.
Registration Requirements
STAT 350 as well as interest in and detailed knowledge of one or more sports for which performance data is routinely collected (e.g., baseball, football, soccer, etc.).
Learning Objectives
1. Formulate sports-related questions that can be answered using statistical methods. 2. Develop and interpret statistics models used to answer these questions. 3. Use statistical software to analyze data and to draw appropriate conclusions. 4. Understand the role of assumptions in a statistical analysis and evaluate their impact on the conclusions of the study
Teaching Method
The course will use a combination of lectures and student presentations and discussion. Statistical methods useful for analyzing sports data will be presented by the instructor.
Students will present a proposal for a research project and will present the results of their analyses; other students will contribute to the discussion of the proposal and the results.
Evaluation Method
Grades will be based on a course project, homework assignments and class participation. The course projects will be conducted individually or in a group of 2 students. Each individual/group will be required to present a project proposal and give a presentation of the results of their project.
Class Materials (Required)
Course notes will be available on Canvas; these notes will play the role of a course text.
Class Notes
Attendance at the first class is required.