Sophie's Reflections

When I first heard that I would be presenting my project for this module on a blog, I got excited and could not wait to get started on it because I was a blogger and I would be doing something that was one of my fortes!

As I was familiar with the workings of a blog, I was put in-charge of creating the blog (this blog!), handling anything related to coding, educating my fellow group-mates on how to utilise Blogger so that they could put up all the data and information, and to take pictures to further illustrate our points for the project.

I have to admit that it was quite a challenge teaching my group-mates on how to use the functions on Blogger. All but one, had no prior experience to blogging. Thankfully Blogger has an easy interface which does not require much special technical skills, hence my group-mates caught on quickly and we managed to churn out this project! In fact, I have to say that we did a rather good job on it!

For me, the most interesting part about doing this project was the part on 'statistical analysis and results'. When my group chose this question to work on, I was sure that I already knew the answer, which is a person's BMI is NOT related to height. However after having done this project, it has shown me that I might not want to be so sure on that!

This module has taught me a lot as to what goes on behind the scenes of analysing data for research, creating thesis, reports, presentations and etc. Statistics is indeed a fabulous way to summarise a massive amount of data, put it together to find different kinds of relationship between the data. I have enjoyed learning and studying this module, and I believe that the information that I have learnt in this module will be very useful during my FYP!

Regina's Reflections

Reflections about this project…

Initially, when I realised that we would have to study statistics, I had rather negative thoughts about whether or not I will be able to cope with it and what kind of projects will we then be involved in. When I got to know about the finalised plans for the project submission, I was relieved upon realising the assignment will not be a written report, but will be a rather informal one. However on the other hand, I was also rather sceptical about the part if I will be able to cope with the technical problems I may meet when the project submission is not printed and submitted in black and white. It was a new way in which I submit project work for remarks, which I thought that it allows more space for students to write freely and unleashing the creativity in them during the blog/webpage making. I think that this allows students to still be able to do the project more light-heartedly and more time to understand and evaluate, rather than focusing on whether we did it correctly in the formatting of the report.

Some of the challenges which I experienced during this project as an individual is to having to cope with my own time meeting of expectations of others. As there were other commitments that are requiring much of my time and attention, I found it rather difficult to cope with time and being able to catch up with the pace of my groupmates. In addition, I think that the knowledge on statistics is also important in my understanding on the project and hence the area of contribution in the final report. Initially I was still not very sure on how to do data analysis, in which I think have resulted me in avoiding contribution in that area, which I had later find time in revising and finding out the knowledge I had lacked in.

As a team, I think that some challenges we had was in understanding other groupmates’ researches, there were also some clashes in ideas and contributions during this process of producing the final report.

Furthermore, I was glad that we were given the chance in doing this project on top of the ICA exam, such that we will also learn the process of data collection and data analysis. It was a new experience to us and practical for us to make use of what we learn in class in the project. I think that I found this easier for me to understand due to my preferred hands-on learning style. In addition, I think that it also allowed me to know the feeling of having to ask random participants to help us in providing data for our project. Also, as it was the first time I am submitting a project report in the form of blog, I think it allowed me to experience using technology to deliver all our information we have for the report.

All in all, I think that I had changed my perspective that statistics is very difficult to learn and apply. I think that this project was good in the area that it did not stopped at just delivering the data, but including this area of having us to provide reflections for the project. I think this reflections portion of the project had allowed me to reflect upon myself, not just about the group as a whole. Upon reflection, I had gain more awareness of what we did right or wrong as an individual or a group, as a result allow us to avoid behaving the same way the next time in working together as a group, regardless of is it a project on statistics.

Katherine's Reflections

My initial feelings when I was told to submit an assignment in a blog was that, wow this is something different from the usual presentation and reports and it seems like a fun thing to do! I was quite happy because I dreaded presentations and this could be a different way of learning!

Some problems I faced while doing this project is the way we did not plan on collecting the data well. Before getting the data set, we did not have a concrete plan on specifically how we are going to approach the people. It was quite messy and we did not specify who to do what so it was a bit chaotic. The disorganization lead to time being wasted and we couldn’t get the number of data that we planned to have initially. However, after knowing what to do and who to do what, the process was smoother and we were able to collect the data set. Thus this taught me the importance and relevance of planning well specifically before collecting data for statistics related project in the future which would be my FYP.

At times I do felt that I was not giving enough in this project probably because of the many other projects I was busy with. I felt I should have been more involved in this project because it will benefit me in my FYP. As such, I learnt the importance of prioritising my time and giving the effort I should have.
My overall experience of doing this project was a rather fun one, I especially enjoyed the part of collecting data from the subjects as it gives me a real experience of how it is like in the future.

Adeline's Reflection

When we were first told that we are to present our project in a form of a webpage/blog, I was really surprised. It was a different way of presenting a project, though it was not my first time experiencing such a unique assignment. Back in my secondary school days, we were also tasked to do a project, and present it on a website. It was not a pleasant experience, as it was difficult trying to ensure that our work is able to be loaded on the internet, and that the coding was working. Thus, the moment I heard about this, I was apprehensive as to what will happen along the course of this project.

I guess the major problem faced was the data collection. There was a lot of misunderstanding as to how the data was to be collected. The group was insufficiently prepared, and at times I was at a loss as to what was to be done. It was really frustrating for me as our schedule was tight, and yet we were unable to proceed with the data collection smoothly. However, due to some help from other cohort mates that are doing the same study as us, we were able to proceed on smoothly.

I never really thought much about BMI, to be honest. I wasn't really health-conscious and thus, saw little need for taking a BMI reading. However, through this project, I learnt more about the use of BMI. This project was also very thought-provoking, and it led to me researching more about BMI, and what factors affects BMI. It was interesting to see that some people was classified as overweight, not because he has high body fat, but had big muscle bulk, and thus it made me wonder if BMI was an accurate measure.

Overall, I did have fun doing this project, as it was a break away from the norm. I did not have to do a powerpoint presentation, and I also had the opportunity to learn something new, such as using the SPSS system. Our group decided to create a blog, and it was enjoyable to me, as I like to blog! (:

I wish we had more choices in choosing topics to research on for our projects, as having more variety might make it more fun for students to enjoy!

Francesca's reflection

I like the way blogs are being used as a means to reflect and summarize the things I've learnt from Statistics lectures and tutorials. Initially, I didn't see a purpose in carrying out this project of finding the relationship between height and BMI. I have the idea that if height is used to calculate BMI, why wouldn't there be a relationship? It was until my group and I started the project from scratch (Coming up with informed consent,  preparing and setting up the environment, asking people to help us with the collection of data, then analyze and conclude) that I realized that my assumption is not valid.

Statistics helped me to understand and think through the relationship between 2 variables or more, rather than just relying on what I think it is. Without experiencing or testing it out myself, I would based facts or truth on just what I've seen or heard from others. Moreover, different results can be obtained in different contexts and environment (E.g. The population or place which the data was collected in our literature review does not necessarily relate or apply to the population which my group researched on.).

I've also realized that there are no such thing as a failed research or failed experiment. This is because whatever we have found, it is also a piece of information and will always be useful for future researchers, knowing that they can focus on other variables or in other contexts. :)

With the help of SPSS, my group and I could get our data analyzed and concluded very quickly. Although it's quite tedious in calculating the BMI and to type all the data in but I must acknowledge that SPSS is a very  useful tool! Definitely will be a great help for my future use! ^^

Thanks! 

Beryl's Reflections

With regards to this research project, I actually find it quite relevant in terms of application of what was taught in lectures and tutorials. Having chosen our research topic "Is BMI related to height?", it seemed like an easy project at first, but in fact, a lot of hard work was put in place to find out the conclusion behind this question.

There were certainly some challenges but it definitely allow me to grow along the way.
For instance, being able to find subjects for our actual data collection (communicating to potential participants, explaining our purpose of study and convincing them to participate) and ensuring that the data collection process flows smoothly (coordinating the transition from one station to another). By having many other module projects and commitments at the same time also allowed me to manage and plan my time as well.

Another challenging area was also the data analysis part when my group have to recall the steps to using the SPSS and the various types of statistical test to use and apply. This portion has definitely refresh everything that was being taught through the weeks if lecture. It was also interesting to note the outcome of results for our research question and this information can come in handy if needed in my future practice.

Overall, it has been a fruitful and fun experience working with my group mates in this group project !