FAQ - Interdepartmental Research Studies
Q: I am working on my dissertation and I urgently need help with the statistical analysis. What resources are available to me?
A: The university has an excellent team of statistical consultants at the ITS Social Science, Statistics & Mapping Group. In addition, a 1-pt course has been established to provide limited statistical consultation and guidance. E10.2401 (formerly E10.2101) will be offered at the discretion of the IDRS director. Follow this link for a course description.
Q: Should I take Basic Statistics, Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SSBS) or Biostatistics?
A: If you are a doctoral student, you must take two terms of either SSBS or Biostatistics. There are important differences between the emphasis in each course. Look at Statistics course policies and Policy exceptions for more detailed information. Master's students may take any of the three options, but those pursuing health majors should consider the Biostatistics sequence as it is oriented toward those disciplines. Also, those intending to take coursework beyond the first year should not take Basic Statistics, but rather SSBS or Biostatistics.
Q: Do I need to take a statistics course before taking Empirical Research Methods?
A: This depends on the instructor, so it is recommended that you review the syllabi for that term. In general it is not a prerequisite, but it is considered helpful, so taking it as at least a co-requisite is advised.
Q: Do I need to take Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SSBS) before taking Intermediate and Advanced Quantitative Methods?
A: Yes, both terms I & II. Biostatistics I & II is a valid prerequisite as well. Look at Statistics course policies and Policy exceptions for more detailed information. It is possible to have this waived with prior equivalent statistical training. Basic Statistics I & II is not an acceptible prerequisite -- it is effectively a terminal sequence.
Q: What is the purpose of the Statistical Counseling course E10.2401 (formerly E10.2101) and how often does it meet?
A: The purpose of this quantitative analysis course is given here and it is intended for PhD students. It should be noted that the student who wishes to learn the methods required for her dissertation should enroll in an advanced methods course. The consulting course offers advice and consultation, not instruction. It meets once at the beginning of the term (time to be arranged as a group), and then you meet individually with the instructor once or twice in the term, and perhaps once more as a group at the end of term. Note: it is not currently offered on a regular basis.
Q: I have a scheduling conflict with an IDRS course I want to take. Are there other courses in the school you would recommend?
A: First, if your scheduling conflict leads you to consider the terminal Basic Statistics sequence, this is inadvisable if you want to continue taking more advanced statistics classes. Next, it is recommended that you take courses in the IDRS program whenever possible, so first consult the two-year IDRS schedule for AYs2008-2010 given here (future years are likely to follow a similar pattern). We have compiled a list of possible univeristy-wide alternatives/supplements in a Related Courses link; your choices should be made in close consult with an advisor, and your expectations for future classes should be closely considered.
Q: I am a student at a university other than NYU and would like to enroll in a course. Can I do this?
A: Yes, as long as you have the equivalent course prerequisites. You have to enroll as a non-matriculated/special student, and information on this process is available here.