
Quantitude
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 3, 2024 • 40min
S6E09 Masterpiece Theatre: Skrondal & Laake (2001)
Dive into a discussion on a standout paper that merges quantitative insights with clear communication. The hosts share amusing hotel memories and reminisce about David Mamet films, exploring themes of struggle and deception. They highlight the importance of technical writing and how to clarify complex methodologies. Insights into the use of factor scores in regression analysis are paired with critiques of common simulation practices. The blend of humor, nostalgia, and a celebration of effective research makes for an engaging listen.

11 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 43min
S6E08 The Statenfreude of Generalized Estimating Equations
Dive into the quirky world of generalized estimating equations and their role in data analysis! The hosts blend technical insights with laugh-out-loud stories, from goat rodeos to haunted houses. They explore volleyball dynamics within families, fueled by anime inspiration, while conjuring up neat terms like 'dadenfroid.' The discussion reveals how GEE stands out in statistical methods, all wrapped up in humor and camaraderie. Don't miss this entertaining mix of math and life!

Nov 5, 2024 • 42min
S6E07 Structural After Measurement and the Muffin of Truth
Dive into the world of structural after-measurement, where traditional models are redefined! The hosts hilariously recount a campfire mishap intertwined with a quest for the ultimate gluten-free pumpkin muffin. They explore the complexities of measuring depression, blending humor with serious analytics. Discover the SAM approach in statistical modeling while enjoying playful banter about baking disasters. From whimsical muffins to statistical insights, this conversation is as engaging as it is enlightening!

Oct 22, 2024 • 41min
S6E06 Pop Quiz: Acronyms
Get ready for a playful quiz on statistical acronyms where Greg's ambush backfires as Patrick shines. They hilariously tackle QR codes and tech struggles among octogenarians at a concert. The duo delves into MCMC analogies with Roombas gathering asteroid data, blending humor with complexity. Mispronunciations add a light touch to the serious topic of the Deviance Information Criterion. It's a wild ride through nostalgia, laughs, and whimsical discussions that showcase their fantastic rapport!

Oct 15, 2024 • 40min
S6E05 Cattell's Data Box
Delve into the intriguing world of Cattell's Data Box, where data organization meets a splash of humor. The hosts charm listeners with quirky anecdotes about childhood collectibles, like baseball cards and bicentennial quarters. They tackle the complexities of multidimensional data, using relatable analogies from Dungeons and Dragons. Amidst discussions of illegal knives and pedantic friends, prepare for an entertaining journey through psychology and statistics, wrapped up with whimsical reflections on academic adventures.

Oct 8, 2024 • 46min
S6E04 Person-Centered vs. Variable-Centered Analysis
Dive into a lively discussion on person-centered versus variable-centered analysis methods, sparking humor and lively anecdotes along the way. Enjoy travel tales filled with mishaps, lost luggage, and packing tips. Explore the complexities of growth modeling while laughing at quirky comparisons like the 'Keanu Reeves of statistics.' Embrace a philosophical perspective on research that encourages a holistic approach. With wit and informality, the hosts blend science and jokes, creating an engaging atmosphere while dissecting important research methodologies.

Sep 24, 2024 • 39min
S6E03 Multiple Choice Is ______
In this week's episode Greg and Patrick explore the surprisingly tricky topic of multiple choice items: how to write them, how not to write them, and giving a well written test the respect it deserves. Along the way they also discuss recognizing emotions, laying down 50 feet of rubber, glass animals, rewriting your kid's test, self-righteousness, Dora the Explorer, the Magna Carta, accidentally becoming a better teacher, dumpster diving, a special place in hell, Trivial Pursuit as blood sport, world geography, being a horrible student, and the terror of having Greg as a dental assistant.Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com

Sep 17, 2024 • 44min
S6E02 Judging Inter-Rater Reliability
In this week's episode Patrick and Greg talk about different ways of assessing inter-rater agreement and reliability among two or more raters and the importance of doing so. Along the way they also discuss the summer Olympics, underdogs, monologue face-offs, Quincy Wilson, Boomers, the Soviet judge, biopsy subjectivity, the secret to college admissions reliability, skipping conference dinners, ripping a dive, Patrick's silver medal, the trifactor model, the Good Cop parent, temper tantrums, and intellectual Sugar Daddies. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com

Sep 10, 2024 • 50min
S6E01 Growth as a Predictor? Back to School with Ethan McCormick
Ethan McCormick, an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware specializing in Educational Statistics and Data Science, shares insights from his journey transitioning from neuroscience to quantitative research. He discusses his surprising findings on growth factors as predictors in educational outcomes and the complexities involved in statistical modeling. Adding a dash of humor, he reflects on nostalgic school memories, hilarious family moments, and the challenges of academic life—making for a delightful blend of education and laughs.

May 21, 2024 • 52min
S5E25 Is Being a Professor the Right Fit for Me?
In this week’s episode, our 150th and the last of season 5, Greg and Patrick hear from five people at different stages of their academic journey, who share some of their concerns about a career in academia. Along the way we also mention: deathscrolling, Patrick’s fuzzy blanket, slow motion ballerina, Twix, academia infomercial, Twitter admins, micromanaging, pilot training, young Turks at the gate, stupid shit like this, chalk holders, administrative tennis, Nietzsche, Eeyore, Kaitlin Clark assists, blizzard of information, kick the can, when the street lights come on, and water goggles.Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com
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