Description: Prerequisites: completion of G. E. Categories III.A.1 and III.C.1. Techniques for the elementary statistical analysis of social data. Description and inferential measures include tests, chi-square, analysis of variance, contingency table analysis and linear regression. Units: (3)
This class is not difficult, but you will be required to retain the information you learn. Take notes, ask questions, inquire. This is the learning process so you will need to recall math concepts. If enough people are interested, I will run a math review boot camp during the second week during office hours. In addition, I will provide extra notes for math concepts that will be key in our class.
Let’s take a few minutes to go over the syllabus and expectations for the class.
Statistics is a method based class. Meaning that you will learn methods that will carry you through to the next topic. This semester will build on top of knowledge you already know and will learn. If you are stuck, confused, or you want to talk about statistics, I encourage you to come to my office.
Statistics is defined as: a set of methods where one wants to infer facts about a population using noisy statistical data where uncertainty must be accounted for.
Hypothesis testing…using evidence based methods!
Newborns and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (ECMOs)… sample sized based criticism.
Correct interpretation
Over the course, you will find that some topics may be more difficult than others. Just remember to look back at your notes because a missing step can often lead to the wrong answer.
| Chapter | Title | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Ch. 1 | How we reason | Scientific Method |
| Ch. 2 | Levels of Measurement | NOIR |
| Ch. 3 | Defining Variables | Operational Definitions |
| Ch. 4 | Central Tendency | Mean, Median, Mode |
| Ch. 5 | Measuring Dispersion | Range, Variance, St. Deviation |
| Ch. 6 | Contingency Tables | Construction, Regrouping |
| Ch. 7 | Statistical Inference | Tests of Significance |
| Ch. 8 | Probability Distributions | z test & t test |
| Ch. 9 | Two Sample t-test | Independent vs. Dependent |
| Ch. 10 | One-Way ANOVA | Analysis of Variance |
| Ch. 11 | Measuring Association | Interpreting Association |
| Ch. 12 | Chi-Square | Tests for Contingency |
| Misc. 1 | Correlation | Does not imply causation |
| Misc. 2 | Regression | Prediction |
Each week we will be dividing our time between lecture and hands on experience. Check the course websites for more information.
| Item | Points Possible |
|---|---|
| Attendance | 100 Points (based on rosters) |
| Participation | 50 Points |
| Homework | 100 Points |
| Homework Desc. | 5 assignments @ 20 points each |
| Exams | 300 points |
| Exam Desc. | 2 exams @ 150 points each |
| Writing Assignment | 150 points 2 components |
| W.A. Desc. | Draft 75 Points |
| W.A. Desc. | Final 75 Points |
Total Points available: Points: 100 + 50 + 100 + 300 + 150 = 700
Please make sure you check the course website for deadlines and other course information.