Quantitude - podcast cover

Quantitude

Greg Hancock & Patrick Curranquantitudepod.org
A podcast dedicated to all things quantitative, ranging from the relevant to the highly irrelevant. Co-hosts Patrick Curran and Greg Hancock talk about serious statistical topics, but without taking themselves too seriously. Think: CarTalk hi-jacked by the two grumpy old guys from the Muppets, grousing about quantitative methods, statistics, and data analysis, all presented to you with the production value of a 6th grade school project. But in a good way.
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Episodes

S3E02: Johnson-Neyman Regions of Significance

In this episode, Patrick leads Greg and the rest of us through the incredibly cool and powerful topic of regions of significance, a way to help unpack under what moderating conditions treatments and variable relations are statistically significant. Along the way, they also mention: parallelism, Olivia Newton-John, going to the wrong church, laws in Vermont, pick-a-point, nan-aaaah-meters, the whack-a-doodle package of the month, kindergarten math deficiencies, the crossing guard creed, and the r...

Sep 07, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 2

S3E01: Leaping to Statistical Conclusion Validity

In the inaugural episode of Season 3, Patrick and Greg argue (more than usual) about statistical conclusion validity: what it is, what affects it, and how it fits in with other types of validity. Along the way they also mention: FrogFest2021, fostering illusions, coughing up a thorax, entrée vs. entry, 50 hours of community service, 8-hour depositions, statistical herpes, and Cheese Cake Factory menus and calorie counts. Oh, and… the sax is back! Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quanti...

Aug 31, 202159 minSeason 3Ep. 1

S2E37: A Summer of Love History of Quant, Part 3

In this, the third and final episode of SummerQamp, Greg and Patrick embark on a cross country journey in a VW van in quest of the Summer of Love. Along the way they explore three lines of historical development that ultimately come together to close out the 1960's: multiple regression, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. They just begin to draw trippy insightful concluding comments but the fuzz show up and break up the party. Harsh. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quanti...

Aug 10, 202152 minSeason 2Ep. 37

S2E36: A Fireside History of Quant, Part 2

Nursing their SPF-defying sunburns from SummerQamp 1, Patrick and Greg now find themselves in the woods by a roaring campfire, covered in bug spray. In this second summer installment they transition from previous conversations about the origins of statistics to the incredibly cool and often concurrent history of measurement. Grab a stick, pull up a log, and come roast a marshmallow with us! Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitude...

Jul 20, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 36

S2E35: A Poolside History of Quant, Part I

After completely blowing an ambitious summer schedule of weekly episodes, Patrick and Greg sit poolside and shoot the breeze about the fascinating history of quantitative methods. No, for real; it’s actually fascinating. Anyway, they start with some of the old gamblers from the 1600s and work their way through the early decades of the 20th century. This discussion sets the stage nicely for a future summer episode, at least in theory given how long it took to get this one out. Happy Summer! Stay ...

Jun 29, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 35

S2E34: The Mentorlorian

In the final episode of Season 2, Greg and Patrick enlist the help of colleagues in a conversation about the joys and challenges of being a good mentor. Along the way they also discuss Cinco de Cuatro, Fozzie Bear, trash compactors and rubber snakes, pitchers at Linda's, giant jugs of wine, meeting the dog, someone in the control tower, 20 to life, parallel play, escalators and stairs, puzzle pieces, terrifying your students, and Professor Q. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitude...

May 11, 20211 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 34

S2E33: Truth, Balderdash, and Construct Validity

In this episode Patrick and Greg construct a deconstruction of the construct of construct validity. Constructively. Along the way they also discuss Jacques, sheep STDs, Bill Clinton, college admissions, touching a giant turtle, butwinking, cadaver bingo, nomological networks, teen spirit, playing drop-the-hanky, ticket to the prom, and lipstick on a pig. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com...

May 04, 202157 minSeason 2Ep. 33

S2E32: Lies, Damned Lies, and Random Samples with Laura Stapleton

Greg and Patrick talk about how, although textbooks almost exclusively talk about simple random samples, in practice they almost never actually occur. To try to sort this out, they enlist the help of Dr. Laura Stapleton from the University of Maryland, who lived a prior life as an economist and knows a thing or two about sampling designs. Along the way they also discuss killing bugs, Winston Churchill, lies versus omissions, Oprah, signing toast, being conceived in an elevator, strah-TAH, social...

Apr 27, 202155 minSeason 2Ep. 32

S2E31: Quantitude HaiQ / Metaphor for Team Science / Plus Intern Issues

Patrick and Greg celebrate international haiku day with listener-submitted HaiQs, and somehow tie that to a discussion of team science, all while interviewing intern applicant Ethan McCormick. Along the way they also discuss Googling as research, cheddar fries, Big Lima Bean, Mc vs. Mac, moody loners in Montana cabins, English particle accelerators, the Boulder Model, a research prenup, the green room, getting voluntold, the cheese stands alone, quant poetry slam, Guns n Roses, and playing the o...

Apr 20, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 31

S2E30: ‘Always Center Your Predictors!’ And Other Sh*t My Advisor Says

Greg and Patrick explore the many interesting issues related to centering predictor variables prior to analysis, both in the standard regression model and in the multilevel model. Along the way they also discuss honking Diet Coke through your nose, rashes, hostage negotiation, reading at seven months of age, dealer's choice, Coors Light, Galapagos tortoises, friendly monsters, monkeys at typewriters, umlauts, and shooting stop signs. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org T...

Apr 06, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 30

S2E29: Multilevel Models -- The Often Unnecessary Green Monster

Patrick and Greg fulfill a legal obligation to interview the unnecessarily ubiquitous Dr. Dan McNeish of Arizona State University about why you probably don't need to use multilevel modeling even when you have multilevel data. Along the way they also mention MacNair, safety schools, the Green Monster, driving a Corvette across the country, Compensation Club, anklet shocks, endogeneity, frunks, Tom Brady's middle name, and de-meaning. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org T...

Mar 30, 202159 minSeason 2Ep. 29

S2E28: McNeish v. Quantitude -- Training Quantitative Methodologists

Pursuant to court order, Greg and Patrick find themselves legally compelled to discuss key aspects of training quantitative methodologists, including knowledge acquisition, knowledge application, and knowledge generation. Along the way, they also mention: Nuckles, too many Dans, onomatopoeia, The One, the number of the day, a big tylenol, bluesheets, Mr. Miyagi, Lunch n Learn, reviewing for journals you can't publish in, the Durham Bulls, the final countdown, dependent studies, and stage phases....

Mar 23, 202157 minSeason 2Ep. 28

S2E27: (re)Connecting With Discrete Data

In this episode Patrick and Greg discuss the challenges of having ordered categorical data, as well as the seemingly magical limited information and full information analytical options to deal with such data. Along the way they also discuss sky cranes, the Mars Climate Orbiter, metric vs. imperial units of measurement, Lockheed-Martin, left hands and right hands, the A380, 6-inch extension cords, Home Depot, billion dollar shooting stars, being unidextrous, playing the recorder, star wipe, Jell-...

Mar 16, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 27

S2E26: MLM vs. SEM: Opportunities for Growth

In this episode Greg and Patrick attempt to resolve long festering relationship issues that arise between the multilevel modeling and structural equation modeling approaches to growth curve analysis. Along the way they also discuss first dates, Jets and Sharks, Cubs and Cardinals, Montagues and Capulets, Tsingtao Beer, Thunderdome, stupid LISREL tricks, pressure math, dirty secrets, selfishness, and National Haiku Day. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quant...

Mar 09, 202157 minSeason 2Ep. 26

S2E25: Options for Small Samples

In this episode Patrick and Greg talk about the dreaded but often very real case of having a small sample size: what you should watch out for, and what options you have to squeeze the most information and inferential potential from your precious data. Along the way they also mention Name That Tune, Space Mountain, the Tiki Room, parapraxis, extraordinary least squares, Applebee's, B words, Eeyore, the psychological science accelerator, and Yoink! Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quanti...

Mar 02, 202159 minSeason 2Ep. 25

S2E24: The Equivalent Models Problem

In this episode Greg and Patrick explore the freakish and terrifying topic of equivalent models, particularly as they arise within the structural equation modeling analytical framework. Along the way they also discuss rinsing toes, palindromes, anagrams, being a tad unquiet, under-teaching, double-secret probation, scary cousins, sausage makers, Tribbles, empty beer bottles, Hard Core History, a severely hungover John Stuart Mill, the walk of shame, and expecto patronum. Stay in contact with Qua...

Feb 23, 202157 minSeason 2Ep. 24

S2E23: Research Questions About Variability

Patrick and Greg talk about variability — both within individuals and within groups — as a source of really interesting and often overlooked research questions, to complement our well-developed skillset for studying means. Along the way, they also mention: Natatoriums, finding your spot, picking at a scab, the Polkaholics, Location Scale models, high-fiving statisticians, Inception, cooking with gas, Corvettes, fingernails in the dashboard, Kai Ryssdal, your grandfather’s stock, parenting consis...

Feb 16, 202156 minSeason 2Ep. 23

S2E22: Outliers -- And Then Things Got Weird

In this episode Greg and Patrick embark on a sometimes unhinged discussion of outlying and influential observations: where do they come from, how are they identified, and what do we do with them. Along the way they also discuss the outlier bell, stubbornness, pre-holiday grievances, Polly, Sesame Street, being more less likely, Greg's freak brother, operas, Nebraska cornfields, talking to volleyballs, stepping on rakes, name that dissertation, butt cramps, and acetone. Stay in contact with Quant...

Feb 09, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 22

S2E21: Yes, Virginia... There ARE Latent Variables

In this episode Patrick and Greg talk about latent variables: what they are, why we care, and under what circumstances we can analyze them directly. Along the way they also discuss: BWI, dadgic, Patrick's bromance, the economy, Chris Botti, inter-planetary probes, Gronk, 118 degree dry heat, the evil eye, and Dora the Explorer. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com...

Feb 02, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 21

S2E20: The Future of Teaching Quantitative Methods

Greg and Patrick again subcontract out their own work by inviting a range of experts from different disciplines to share their perspectives on the future of teaching quantitative methods. They also discuss revenge, cryogenics, evacuation com...., American Idiot, 11 reasons why we blink, being hardly sorry, Googling how to fly a 737, machine directed latent mixture basket weaving...in R, the Levy Series, no half measures, penguin freezers, the Suez Canal, John Wesley Powell, Pacific Naval Warfare...

Jan 26, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 20

S2E19: Pulling Back The Curtain On Tenure

In today’s episode, Patrick and Greg talk about the tenure process: what it is, why it exists, how they see it, and some thoughts that might be helpful on the journey, fully realizing that institutions and fields are different, so your mileage may vary. Along the way, they also mention Fermat's Theorem, Ten Year, The Wizard, Flying Monkeys, the child catcher, water on rocks, fat old bald men, intellectual punches in the face, Charlie Brown Fails Tenure, 70% of zero, Cosmic Cantina, research qual...

Jan 19, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 19

S2E18: Regression -- Like That Old High School Friend You've Outgrown

In this episode Patrick and Greg compare and contrast multiple regression and the structural equation model and argue that although regression has brought us far, there are numerous reasons to turn to the SEM to continue to drive us forward. Along the way they also address gad flies, the Louisiana Purchase, Kool-Aid, high school friends, spring break, STDs, Southwest Airlines, radial arm saws, courage, buying paint at Home Depot, Agatha and Karl's corpses, and 737s vs. DC-3s. Stay in contact wit...

Jan 12, 202159 minSeason 2Ep. 18

S2E17: Embracing Your Non-Normality

Greg and Patrick ring in the new year with a rambling discussion of univariate and multivariate normality: what it is, when and why we assume it, and does it really matter. (Spoiler alert -- it DOES). Along the way, they also discuss statistics history, supplement #2, Larry the Book Shop Guy, Isaac Newton's BFF, platypuses, collaborating with someone because your names rhyme, unicorns, calling in the wolf, nerf footballs, semi-non-sequiturs, irreconcilability, those crazy 1970's, and fax machine...

Jan 05, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 17

S2E16: Holiday Airing of Grievances

In this very special episode, Greg and Patrick host the Quantitude Holiday Party at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC. In addition to the traditional holiday Airing of Grievances, the party features a number of special guests from across the spectrum of quantitative methodology, some more inebriated than others. Please join us to end this otherwise awful and challenging year with some much-needed light-hearted silliness and festivities. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org...

Dec 15, 202059 minSeason 2Ep. 16

S2E15: Ethics in Quantitative Research

In this episode Patrick and Greg explore the many faces of ethics in quantitative research, particularly as related to issues that arise in the day-to-day analytical decisions we make. In that spirit, Quantitude has an ethical obligation to warn listeners that they also discuss speedometers, rushing and dragging, shoplifting, calling me Shirley, asteroids vs. pinball, apple pie, Beneficence and Non-malefeasance playing tonight at the cat's cradle, forgetting things are illegal, stringing barbed ...

Dec 08, 20201 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 15

S2E14: Control (Variable) Issues

Greg and Patrick discuss issues of controlling for extraneous variables, by randomization and by design, but especially the challenges and assumptions associated with statistical control. Along the way they also mention drag racing, Volkswagen Bugs, Seabiscuit, Harrison Bergeron, Diet Coke, Janet Jackson, John Denver, gastrointestinal distress, Sewall Wright, and babies and bathwater. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Me...

Dec 01, 20201 hrSeason 2Ep. 14

S2E13: You Want ME To Do a Quant Review?!

In this episode Patrick & Greg consider in what ways they have become their parents and then attempt to use that insight to better understand how one can provide a quantitative review of a substantive manuscript without becoming the much reviled Reviewer 2. Along the way they also discuss Ginsu knives, not wearing pants, Ouija boards, using "and" in place of "but", five-finger death punches, the kraken, happy feet, mad libs, everyone needing a Longstreet, book vs. movie endings, and dumpster...

Nov 17, 202058 minSeason 2Ep. 13

S2E12: Post-Publication Review -- Patrick's Truly Horrible Idea

Greg and Patrick discuss Patrick's potentially horrible idea for post-publication review, in which a journal is created for the sole purpose of reviewing the soundness of the quantitative methods used in papers that have already been published in flagship journals. Hair-brained scheme, or sheer genius? You be the judge. Along the way they also mention driving without headlights, homemade explosives, modified wheelchairs, the IJCC, guacamole at Margaret's Cantina, dishwashers and JetDry, the IAD,...

Nov 10, 20201 hrSeason 2Ep. 12

S2E11: The Replication ... Dilemma: A Conversation with Samantha Anderson

Today Patrick & Greg step off-camera and pull in Dr. Samantha Anderson who is a quantitative psychologist at Arizona State University and is an expert in all things related to the so-called “replication crisis.” They are uncharacteristically quiet as she talks about the past, present, and future of replication in the social sciences. Along the way they also discuss: Ask Sammy, bioluminescence, cheat day, podcast pre-registration, music that makes you younger, Defcon 5, or maybe 1, or 3, moth...

Nov 03, 20201 hrSeason 2Ep. 11

S2E10: Type I Terror

Greg and Patrick talk about the control of Type I error rate. Well, more like... they say stuff, change their minds, say stuff, change their minds... and in the end — spoiler alert — reach no unified conclusion whatsoever. But they do manage to hit a number of the relevant issues around Type I error control, albeit largely accidentally and inconsistently. Along the way, they also mention porch witches, furries, cereal killers, neuralizers, why some TAs deserve hazard pay, lawyering-up, rocking c...

Oct 27, 20201 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 10
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