Math 230 Elements of Statistics
Spring, 2002
MWRF 10-10:50 MC 305
Instructor: Mark Saegrove, MC 525, office phone 796-3657
Home phone: 1-608-735-4789
Catalog Course Description: Probability, random variables, mathematical expectation, estimation of parameters, tests of hypothesis, regression, correlation, and analysis of variance are some of the topics covered. Computers are heavily used for problem-solving and data analysis. Prerequisite: acceptable placement score or grade of C or higher in Math 110.
General Course Objectives: This course is a "producer-oriented" course designed to cause students to learn basic principles of descriptive and inferential statistics and probability, and to apply those principles to solve statistics problems using calculators and computers. Solutions to problems are communicated using accepted statistical format.
Core Skill Objectives:
1. Thinking Skills:
A. Uses reasoned standards in solving problems and presenting arguments.
2. Communication Skills:
A. Reads with comprehension and the ability to analyze and evaluate.
B. Listens with an open mind and responds with respect.
3. Life Values:
A. Analyzes, evaluates and responds to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.
Course Objectives
1. Thinking Skills:
A. Reasons deductively by learning general principles which are then applied to specific problems.
B. Reasons inductively by studying examples, seeing the common characteristics, and broadening the solution to the generic case.
C. Learns to use the statistical process as one of the means of answering a question or supporting a position.
2. Communication Skills:
A. Reads text and reference materials outside of class.
B. Observes examples and discusses questions in class.
C. Communicates solutions to statistical problems in writing on quizzes and exams in appropriate statistical format.
D. Uses the computer to access and analyze data.
3. Life Value Skills:
A. Learns of some classic examples of the misuse of statistics and its consequences.
B. Acquires an appreciation for the importance of honesty in the presentation of all (not just favorable) outcomes of statistical research.
Text: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, 3rd ed., Moore and McCabe, Freeman, 1999.
Content: What is Statistics?
Looking at Data.
Ethics in Descriptive Statistics.
Data Relationships.
Producing Data.
Probability.
Sampling Distributions.
Introduction to Inference.
Ethics in Inferential Statistics.
Inference for Distributions.
Inference for Count Data
Inference for Regression
Multiple Regression
Analysis of Variance
Grading: 4 exams 400 pts.
daily quizzes 100 pts.
cumulative final exam 100 pts.
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total 600 pts.
Reading and problem assignments will be given at each class meeting. Problems are not collected for grading, but short (5-10 min.) quizzes covering the assigned work will be given at the beginning of most class meetings. Quizzes are open book, open notes. Exams are closed book with 1 page of notes allowed.
Note: there is no "extra credit".
Attendance: Class attendance is required. See Viterbo College catalog. All guidelines followed.
You are responsible for all assigned reading, even if not discussed in class. You are responsible for topics discussed in class, even if not found in the text.
A valid, verifiable excuse is needed to make up an exam or quiz. Exams and quizzes must be made up in a timely manner, usually within one week of return.
The final exam must be taken at the regularly scheduled time, unless change is approved in writing by the Dean.
ADA Statement: If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations for this class, please see me and Wayne Wojciechowski, the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator (MC 320, 796-3085) within ten days to discuss your accommodation needs. Note: special test-taking needs are accommodated only after confirmation of this need in writing by Mr. Wojciechowski.
Calculating Equipment: We use MINITAB on the computers in MC 304 for much of the calculating in this course, but it is recommended that you have a hand-held calculator or portable computer for home use. Many other computers on campus also have MINITAB. The bookstore can order a copy of MINITAB for you for about $70.
Cheating: Zero credit on pertinent work for first offense. Failure in the course for second offense.
References:Rossman and Chance, Workshop Statistics, Springer.
Kimble, How to Use and Misuse Statistics, Prentice-Hall.
Reichman, Use and Abuse of Statistics, Penguin.
Kitchens, MINITAB Handbook to Accompany Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, Freeman.
Phillips, How to Think About Statistics, Freeman.
Triola, Elementary Statistics, 8th ed., Addison-Wesley.
Schedule: Weeks 1-4: Chapters 1 and 2; exam 1.
Weeks 5-8: Chapters 3,4, and 5; exam 2.
Weeks 9-11: Chapters 6,7 and 8; exam 3.
Weeks 12-14: Chapters 9,10, and 11;exam 4.
Week 15: Chapters 12 and 13.
Thursday, May 9, 12:50 - 2:50 P.M: Cumulative final exam.