Eating PCBs from Lake Ontario - Is There an Effect or Not?

By Eric Ribbens

Abstract

This case is based on an actual news release reporting on research about the effects of eating Lake Ontario fish contaminated with PCBs. Developed to teach students about statistical analysis and experimental design, the case has been used in a senior-level biostatistics course as well as part of a one-week survey of statistics for a biological methods course. It could also be used in an ecology or environmental science course or as a component of a course examining how the media reports science.

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Date Posted

05/15/2001

Overview

Objectives

Understand that statistical analysis is simply a tool to aid in the process of conducting research.
Evaluate the statistical presentation of research results.
Examine how the media reports scientific results.

Keywords

Biostatistics; polychlorinated biphenyl; PCBs; experimental design; statistical analysis; news media; Lake Ontario; Great Lakes

Subject Headings

Ecology

Environmental Science

Epidemiology

Journalism

Public Health

Statistics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division , Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific argumentation, Scientific method, Science and the media

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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