Math 230 Elements of Statistics
Fall, 2004
MWF 1:10-2:00 MC 201; R 1:00-1:50 MC 201 (note the time!!!)
Instructor: Mark Saegrove, MC 525, Office ph. 796-3657; Home ph.: 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.
Course Outcomes:
Content: This course is a "producer-oriented" course where students will learn the basic principles of descriptive and inferential statistics and probability, and apply those principles to solve statistics problems using calculators and computers. Students will provide solutions to problems using accepted statistical terminology and format.
Reasoning: Students will first learn various general processes and procedures; students will then deduce which procedures or processes to apply when given specific statistics problems.
Problem Solving: Students will solve specific statistics problems using appropriate processes and procedures.
Technology: In solving specific statistics problems, students will use a calculator or computer software (Minitab) when appropriate.
Communication: Students will use proper mathematical and statistical notation and terminology when writing solutions to problems on homework, quizzes, and tests.
Core Abilities
1. Thinking: Students engage in the process of inquiry and problem solving that involves both critical and creative thinking.
A. Reason deductively by learning general principles which are then applied to specific problems.
B. Reason inductively by studying examples, seeing the common characteristics, and broadening the solution to the generic case.
C. Learn to use the statistical process as one of the means of answering a question or supporting a position.
2. Life Value Skills: Students analyze, evaluate and respond to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.
A. Learn of some classic examples of the misuse of statistics and its consequences.
B. Acquire an appreciation for the importance of honesty in the presentation of all (not just favorable) outcomes of statistical research.
3. Communication Skills: Students communicate orally and in writing in an appropriate manner both personally and professionally.
A. Read text and reference materials outside of class.
B. Observe examples and discusses questions and solutions in class.
C. Communicate solutions to statistical problems in writing on assignments, quizzes, exams, and course project in appropriate statistical format.
Text: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, 4rd ed., Moore and McCabe, Freeman, 2003.
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 Proportions.
Inference for Two-Way Tables
Inference for Regression
Multiple Regression
One-Way Analysis of Variance
Two-Way Analysis of Variance
Grading: 4 exams 400 pts.
quizzes/homework 100 pts.
cumulative final exam 100 pts.
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total points 600 pts.
Reading and problem assignments will be given at each class meeting. 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. Homework may be collected in lieu of a quiz on occasion.
Note: Grades will be based on the 600 points listed above; there is no "extra credit".
Attendance: Class attendance is required. See Viterbo University catalog for 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 a missed 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.
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 (or 9th edition)
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.
Tuesday, Dec 14, 12:50 - 2:50 P.M: Comprehensive final exam.