“Fire, knives, cars, hair removal cream. Each of these things has important uses. Each of them improves our lives. And each can cause serious problems when misused. Now you can add statistics to that list.”
– Charles Wheelan, Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data
Statistics is not just a collection of formulas and tables. It’s a way of thinking that helps us make better decisions. However, incorrect use of data analysis methods can lead to false conclusions—and in extreme cases, to absurd results.
A key skill in data analysis is knowing which methods can be applied in a given situation and which should be avoided. An example? The arithmetic mean is often used recklessly, leading to nonsensical conclusions like the famous statement: “A man and a dog out for a walk have three legs on average.” It sounds funny, but it illustrates how easily data can be misinterpreted if we don’t understand the basic principles of statistics.
That’s why learning data analysis is so important—not just to perform calculations, but to interpret them correctly. A good analyst doesn’t hide behind formalism, but knows how to read results, understand their meaning and draw accurate conclusions.
Live courses vs recorded courses – which of them are more valuable?
In the age of ubiquitous online courses and a wealth of resources available on the Internet, it’s natural to wonder whether live training courses are still necessary. When it comes to fields such as statistics, data analysis or machine learning—the answer is a definite yes!
First and foremost, live training allows for interaction. Participants can ask questions in real time, clarify doubts and receive explanations tailored to their knowledge. This is crucial when working with advanced data analysis methods—understanding the theory often requires practical comments and grasping nuances can be difficult without expert support.
Another advantage is the customization of materials to suit the group. An experienced trainer can dynamically respond to participants’ needs, focusing on more challenging topics or showing additional examples. Pre-recorded courses lack this adaptability—they’re static and don’t account for individual needs or specific problems that learners may be trying to solve.
Finally, participating in a live online training session helps keep learners motivated and leads to greater efficiency. Participants are more engaged and have the opportunity to collaborate with others. At the same time, they don’t sacrifice the convenience of learning online, without the need to travel to an in-person session.
All of this makes live course a valuable form of professional education.
The value of experience
Experts with practical knowledge—not just theory
In our experience, the most important factor when choosing a training course is the instructors. Ideally, they should be practitioners who work with the subject matter on a daily basis. That way, they can share not only essential theoretical knowledge, but also practical tips from real-world experience.
Tailor-made programs that meet real needs
It’s also beneficial when the training provider develops original programs and works with participants even during the training planning phase. This allows the content to be aligned with actual needs and challenges. The interactivity of such training is a key strength—it often involves analyzing examples based on client data and giving participants the opportunity to perform exercises and discuss results under the guidance of experts.
Training that keeps up with change
Does the provider’s offering evolve over time? Do they follow the latest trends, improve existing courses, and introduce new, up-to-date topics? If so, participants can be confident they’re learning methods and technologies that will be useful in their everyday work.
Flexible formats – online and in-person
As the saying goes, “there’s no accounting for taste”. Some clients prefer open-enrollment courses, while others seek customized, on-demand sessions at a specific time and place. Some enjoy the flexibility of learning from anywhere in the world through interactive online courses, while others prefer in-person sessions—either at the training provider’s location or, even more conveniently, at their own company’s offices. It’s important that each client finds the right format for their needs.
Training courses of StatSoft
Do we meet the criteria above? Our participants’ reviews speak for themselves:
“The instructors, Janusz Wątroba, PhD and Marek Skowronek, PhD demonstrated exceptional ability to maintain the participants’ attention, which significantly enhanced knowledge retention. The tools and training materials were of the highest quality, which made the learning process even smoother. The presentation style was clear and accessible to all attendees.”
Our instructors are without a doubt our greatest strength. We ensure that our training sessions are practical, workshop-based, and tailored to the client—often developed in collaboration with them, starting from the planning phase. We offer original programs based on nearly 30 years of experience. At the same time, our training portfolio is constantly evolving. We keep up with advances in technology and methods, launch new courses and expand existing ones. We also guarantee comfortable learning conditions in small groups, whether in person or online.
Overall, we strive to ensure our training is an investment in knowledge and skills that truly lead to better decisions, more accurate analyses and more effective actions. In line with Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Want to learn more about our training offer? Visit our website or contact us at: info@StatSoft.pl – we’ll talk about your needs and suggest best courses for you.
Authors:
Elżbieta Mateja, Deputy Head of Courses, Sales Department
Kamila Osika, Senior Marketing Specialist