Homework 6
Research Analysis
Overview
For this assignment, you will conduct a short, independent research analysis using a dataset of your choice. The goal is to apply advanced data science methods, interpret results rigorously, and communicate findings clearly in the style of a research note.
You may use:
- A dataset from your own ongoing research (preferred), or
- A publicly available dataset.
Deliverable
A 3-page written report (single-spaced, excluding references, figures, and tables).
Your report should include the following sections:
- Introduction / Background (½ – 1 page)
- Define the research question or hypothesis.
- Provide context and explain why the question is important in public health, biostatistics, or data science.
- Briefly describe the dataset you are using (source).
- Define the research question or hypothesis.
- Methods (½ – 1 page)
- Briefly describe dataset (e.g. collection, information)
- Explain any data preprocessing or transformations.
- Describe your analysis methods/statistical tests
- Results (1 – 1½ pages)
- Present your main findings clearly.
- Include at least one figure and one table (not included in 3 pages).
- Provide inference from tests, and highlight patterns, associations, or insights that answer the research question.
- Present your main findings clearly.
- Discussion & Conclusion (½ – 1 page)
- Interpret your findings in context.
- Discuss potential biases, limitations, and assumptions.
- Suggest next steps for further analysis or research.
- Interpret your findings in context.
Formatting & Submission Guidelines
- Length: 3 pages max (not including references, tables, or figures).
- Format: PDF document with your name on the first page.
- Figures/Tables: Must be generated by your analysis (not copied directly from the source).
Reproducibility and AI-use requirements
Submit a repository or archive containing the rendered PDF, source, data-access instructions, and a README.md with one-command reproduction steps. Pre-register the analysis question and primary method in a short project note before completing the analysis; label any exploratory work as exploratory. Include a robustness or sensitivity analysis for one important assumption.
You may use AI for bounded assistance such as debugging or editing. Include an AI_USE.md with prompts, material outputs used, and what you verified. AI-generated text or code does not replace citations, methodological justification, or the student’s interpretation.