Prompt #1

Wikipedia gives the following definition of “data”:

“… data is a collection of discrete or continuous values that convey information, describing the quantity, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of symbols that may be further interpreted formally”

  1. What are things you like and things you dislike about this definition?
  2. Can you think of anything you consider to be “data” that is not captured by this definition?

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Prompt #2

Your first semester at Grinnell has the potential to shape the rest your life. You will have the opportunity to make many decisions, including simple things like the food you eat in the dining hall, but also more complex decisions such as the way you manage your well-being, engage with your courses, and pursue other opportunities.

  1. Identify three different decision making opportunities of varying “seriousness” (however you choose to define it).
  2. In an ideal world, what type of data would you rely on when making these decisions?
  3. In the real world, what type of data (if any) can you rely on for these decisions?

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Prompt #3 (time permitting)

Large Language Models (LLMs), with Chat GPT as a widely known example, are being forecast as a transformational technology.

  1. How do LLMs relate to the ideas of “data” and “decision making”?
  2. How should we interact with LLMs in this course (and other courses at Grinnell)?

For some context, you may choose to read through Grinnell Professor Dr. Erik Simpson’s quick guide to ChatGPT and college writing.