Udi Alter

Udi studies in the Research Methods and Statistics Lab with Dr. Alyssa Counsell.

Udi's primary research focus is double-sided: One side is dedicated to creating and evaluating novel statistical techniques. For example, in his MA thesis, he demonstrated how to apply an equivalence testing approach to assess whether a predictor has negligible effects on the outcome variable in multiple regression. Much of this side consists of programming in R - a syntax-based statistical software - constructing simulation studies and building new open-access applications for researchers. Another side of his research focus is about different facets of learning and using statistics; he studies statistics anxiety, questionable research practices, attitudes toward open science and statistical software, teaching statistics etc.

Recognizing the mixed attitudes toward statistics and programming in the social sciences, he decided to also engage in other initiatives to help improve some of the difficulties associated with these topics. "Together with Nataly Beribisky, my close friend and colleague from York university, I cofounded ouR coding club!, a safe space for students and researchers everywhere who wish to learn R in a supportive environment that emphasizes reproducible research through code sharing. In our biweekly sessions, we share code, progress, and challenges, and help one another grow and learn."

If you’re interested to know more or have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email udi.alter@torontomu.ca or Twitter @UdiAlter (external link) .