Goodding Learning Center, 280 Plant Sciences Hall
“A Workshop on Experimental Design & Data Analysis: Improvised! As inspired by Sonny Rollins!” will take place June 8. An opportunity to extend your knowledge of experimental design and data analysis of field research in an impromptu setting.
Students and faculty have expressed desire of a learning event during which they can extend their knowledge and understanding of experimental design and data analysis using experiments and/or data from their own individual agronomic research endeavors. This workshop is being conducted to help satisfy that desire.
• Anyone who has one or more experiments and/or data sets which they are willing to share during a group learning experience on experimental design and data analysis.
• Both faculty and graduate students are welcome, but the event is intended to be primarily a learning experience for students.
Workshop Leads:
Keith Boldman, Research Scientist, Corteva
Reka Howard, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Blaine Johnson, Adjunct Professor and Lecturer, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The Details:
- Structure of the Workshop:
- Other than some general guidelines, there is no set structure, hence the title “A Workshop on Experimental Design & Data Analysis: Improvised! As inspired by Sonny Rollins!”.
- Workshop Leads will provide overall guidance during group study of one or more field experiments and data sets as brought forward by group participants.
- Group leads will not be presenting any background slides or other prepared information, but rather provide impromptu direction and guidance during group development of experimental designs and analyses of agricultural experiments, per interest of participants.
- Activities will include real-time use of software used to develop and understand design options and to execute data analyses.
- Workshop will be in a classroom setting; a Zoom option will not be available.
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Time of Workshop:
- Workshop begins at 9 a.m. June 8, ending at 3 pm same day, or at time of which discussions and/or participants are exhausted.
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What you need to bring to the Workshop:
- Yourself!
- Any experiment or set of experiments and/or data sets for which you would like to extend your knowledge, understanding, and explore potential options. Please note, experiments and data sets must be sharable to the group at large, experiments and data sets that are proprietary or otherwise cannot be shared cannot be used.
- While the backgrounds and experiences of the Workshop Leads primarily fall within the discipline of plant breeding, the Workshop will not exclusively focus on plant breeding experimentation; any and all experiments, data sets, examples, questions, etc., will be welcomed to the Workshop.
- A computer with software useful for designing experiments and analysis of data will be useful but is not required; examples of software which the Leads may use during the discussions include, MS Excel, MS Access, ASReml, Echidna, R, etc.
- Due to the short duration of the workshop, time will not permit installation of software during the workshop.
- Be prepared for Active Participation:
- Knowledge and learning are extended by doing. Active participation is expected, and the leads have subtle and not so subtle approaches to ensuring active involvement by each and all participants. As a warning to those who might try passive participation, remember the famous quote: “No soup for you!”
- There is no set requirement on level of background knowledge or expertise; the primary requirement is that you have knowledge and a thorough understanding of the experiment and/or data set you bring to the Workshop. That being said, there is the expectation that participants have minimal knowledge of statistical concepts such as means, predictions, variances, covariances, blocking, randomization, etc., as used for agricultural experimentation.
- What this Workshop is not:
- This Workshop is intended to be a learning experience for all participants; the workshop is not to be considered a one-on-one help or consulting session; please contact the Workshop Leads and/or explore other avenues if a one-on-one help or consulting session is desired. Rather come to this Workshop prepared to share and learn in a group setting.
- The Bottom line:
- Bring your experiments, data sets, questions, problems, or whatever, prepared for a time of learning and extending your knowledge and experience of design and analysis of agricultural research.
- Most importantly come to the Workshop prepared to participate, enjoy, and have fun!
Lunch: There will be a lunch break of approximately 45 minutes, however lunch will not be provided.
Registration:
- Maximum registration is 20 participants.
- No registration fee is required.
- Registration is open until noon, June 6, or until maximum number is reached.
- Register by sending an email to blaine.e.johnson@unl.edu indicating intent to attend.
For additional information, please contact:
Blaine Johnson
Adjunct Professor and Lecturer
Department of Agronomy & Horticulture
blaine.e.johnson@unl.edu