Course Overview
2h 18m | 16 Videos | 70474 Views | 
Intermediate| English[Auto-generated] Correlation Techniques :
Correlation is a mathematical concept. In a multi-variable environment, correlation is the statistical technique that helps find out if and to what extent pairs of variables depend on one another. A very simple and oft-quoted example is that of height and weight as variables. Taller people have a tendency to be heavier but this relationship between the two is hardly uniform and seldom perfect. In fact, there are many cases that can outright violate the above statement. Correlation would be find how the two variables depend on each other.
However, in larger data sets, there are a number of variables and correlation is more than a little difficult, mostly because many correlations aren’t qualitatively anticipated and can be unprecedented. Good correlation techniques can help make greater sense out of the data available.
As is common among statistical techniques, correlation is limited to certain types of data- those that are quantitative in nature and where it makes sense to correlate how the quantitative values are dependent on one another. It is not applicable in cases of categorical data like colours, gender etc.
The crucial result of any correlation technique is the correlation co-efficient, say r. The value of r ranges from -1 to +1. A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates complete independence of the variables. More the dependence, closer is the value of r to +1 or -1. Negativity or positivity of r refers to negative or positive correlation.
Minitab:
Minitab is a specialised tool(a statistics package) that helps you analyse data effectively. It was developed in 1972 at the Pennsylvania State University by Brbara F. Ryan, Thomas A. Ryan Jr and Brian L. Joiner. The software is distributed by the privately owned Minitab Inc headquatered at State College, Pennsylvania.
About the Course:
Educba’s tutorial is aimed at teaching how to implement correlation techniques using Minitab. The course shall address the importance of correlation in model fitment in regression courses and shall cover Basic Correlation theory, interpretation of correlation constant and using it to predict relationships and implementation on sample data sets using Minitab. The course is completely online and demands no paperwork whatsoever or any fixed schedule. It is free for anybody registered on the website. The course shall be extremely helpful for those interested in learning about and applying correlation techniques in real time and using proper software.
Course details:
The course consists of a series of video tutorials, arranges systematically offering instructions on correlation techniques and implementation using minitab. Here is the breakdown of the course:
Section 1:
- Introduction to the course
- Basic Correlation Theory
- More about Basic Correlation Theory
- CT implementation using Minitab
- A continuation of CT implementation using Minitab
- Interpretation of correlation values
Section 2:
- Results for return
- Correlation Values- observations
- Correlation Values- interpretation
- Heart Beat- Objective
- Heart Beat- Interpretation
- Demographics and living standards
- Observations on Demographics and living standards
- Graphical implementation
- Addition of regression fit
- Scatterplot with regression
- Scatterplot of Rhdeq vs Rhcap
Prerequisites:
This course is about a statistical technique used in data analysis and interpretation and therefore there are a few prerequisites for this course.
- Knowledge of Quantitative Methods
Way of quantification of data analysis (done by statistical, mathematical or numerical means) using computation are known as Quantitative methods. Since Correlation techniques are strictly mathematical and statistical tools, understanding of the concepts require a certain basic knowledge of Quantitative mathematics. Hard core statistical techniques and concepts of this course make it difficult for those without such a background.
- Ms Office
This course also demands a prior knowledge of MS Office and the various softwares that it includes. MS Office is a widely used software package that almost everyone with a computer is familiar with and therefore should not be a problem for those wishing to take up this course.
- Ms Paint
MS Paint is again a very grass-root level and popularly used software for most users. It is an important prerequisite for taking up this course.
- Proper Device
Since the course is audiovisual in nature, you must have a device that can stream and display videos properly. Also ensure that the device has Minitab preloaded in it.
- Internet
Since this course is entirely online, ensure that you have proper and steady internet connectivity
Target Audience:
The course is freely available on the educba website for those wishing to pursue it. However, this course, being strictly need-based in nature, the target audience for the course are:
- Statistical Analysts
Those dealing with large amounts of data and making sense out of them will find immense benefit from taking this course. Correlation is a fundamental statistical tool and its implementation using software is a very important learning point. The course is meant to teach you how to explore the various way of implementation of this tool and is of utmost importance to analysts.
- Programmers
Programmers, particularly those working on regression will find this course beneficial because this course, among other things, covers how correlation techniques find usage in regression fit. The course relates to immediate subject fields and will a great professional help in terms of increasing your productivity as a programmer.
- Students
This demographic will possible benefit the most from the course. Mathematics and CS student or anyone with a background and interest in the two subjects will find a whole new area to explore as a possible research or career option, not to mention an important learning experience.
Besides these, anybody with an interest and a will to commit to the course can take up this course and find ways to apply the learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- I am a Computer Science student. Will this course help me?
Yes, it will, Statistical methods are not only meant for mathematicians. With more and more organisations taking data analysis seriously and for tangible outcomes, the demand for data analysts and programmers with a knowledge of the same has increased manifold in the past couple of years. This course will definitely help you in your future career prospects.
- I am not familiar with statistics and mathematics. Can I take this course?
Unfortunately, no. This course has been designed keeping in mind a certain level of background knowledge such as those mentioned in “Prerequisites”. The course does not teach Quantitative methods anywhere but demands a prior knowledge of the same. So those without a proper mathematical background might not be able to follow the course contents.
- I have no experience with Minitab. Will that be a problem?
No. The course ensures that you learn using Minitab as you proceed through the tutorials. All you need to ensure is that you have Minitab in your system.
- I have a full-time job. Can I take this course?
Yes you can. Courses like these are designed keeping in mind that those willing to take up this course have an otherwise part/full time engagement. This is why the online platform is chosen as an ideal. It sets no fixed timings or limits regarding course hours and allows for a great amount of flexibility.
Testimonials:
Freida, Data Analyst:
I took this course in between my work hours. I wasn’t expecting how helpful it would turn out to be. I had known some uses of Minitab but this course showed me a lot more. I would heavily recommend this course to all data analysts, even those who already know the topic covered here.
Amit, student:
I am a mathematics student and one of relative, an analyst at an e-commerce website, suggested that I take up this course during my weekends. I was blown away by the level to which concepts we know as theory are being applied in real world problems. The course was very informative and I am very happy to have taken it up.
Josh, Programmer:
I took this course for some insight into regression modelling and this course is an absolute winner. It is a healthy combination of Mathematical concepts and their implementation in computation. It is often a problem for programmers to understand certain statistical tools but the tutorials were very simple to understand and apply. Highly recommended.
Benefits of this course:
Knowledge Boost
For those looking to expand their sphere of mathematical and computer science knowledge, this course is a perfect fit. People with a proper background in statistics will find this course very helpful in the sense that it expands their knowledge base and provides them with a means of software implementation using Minitab. This is a precious knowledge add for statisticians and Computer Science engineers.
Great addition to CV
For current and prospective data analysts, statisticians and programmers, this course is a great addition to your resume. Correlation techniques and their implementation are an in-demand subject due to the increasing importance of data analysis in today’s world. Large MNCs, e-commerce websites etc make use of these techniques for better outcomes.
Online learning
There are some huge benefits of learning online. The course material is yours to decide when you want to study what, there is no fixed schedule you need to stick to or a stipulated period within which you are to finish the course. Neither do you have to leave your home or office and attend lectures nor do you need to adjust your pace. You get to learn from your own home and at your own pace.
