Page 1 of 5
ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL METHODS
MATH 1342
COURSE
SYLLABUS
Statistics is the science dealing with the collection, organization, summarization, analysis and
interpretation of numerical data. This course provides foundations and an introduction to the
field of applied statistics for students at Ranger College. The course syllabus provides some
important information about the course — the requirements, outcome objectives, grading
procedures, and so on.
COURSE:
MATH 1342 -- Elementary Statistical Methods
INSTRUCTOR:
Dale Johnson, Ph.D.
TEXT:
Weiss, Neil A. (2012). Introductory Statistics (9th ed.). Pearson/AddisonWesley Publishers.
CATALOG
DESCRIPTION:
Presentation and interpretation of data, probability, sampling, correlation
and regression, analysis of variance, and the use of statistical software.
Prerequisite: Math 1314. Credit 3 semester hours.
COURSE GOAL:
The general threefold goal of the course is to provide class participants
with prerequisite knowledge for subsequent courses in which statistical
methodology and tools are used and/or for the consumption of technical
research literature and/or for limited production in statistical analysis.
Objectives of the course for participants include developing:
(A) an awareness of available statistical tools;
(B) an understanding of when, under what circumstances, and what
general assumptions particular statistical tools and concepts are
appropriately used;
(C) analytical skills in statistical problem solving;
Page 2 of 5
(D) the knowledge for interpreting descriptive and inferential statistical
results;
(E) skills for critical consumption of statistical data from literature;
(F) competencies in analysis of data; and
(G) a more positive attitude toward quantitative problem-solving issues;
ACTIVITIES:
Basically, expect to become conversant with the common terminology of
statistics; be introduced to various conceptual frameworks of statistics
while examining computational aspects, application, and interpretation of
statistical analysis; and become conversant with measurement (numeric
scaling), quantitative research design, and associated data analyses. While
this course does not dwell on computer analysis (this is a statistics class),
students can expect to perform numerical analyses via the computer and
other available technology.
GRADING:
>1/3rd of the final grade will be based on periodic homework assignments
>1/3rd of the final grade will be based on 3 hour exams
>1/3rd of the final grade will be based on the final exam
Homework, hour exams, and the final exam scores will be averaged and
grades will be assigned according to the scale below:
Performance*
Assigned Grade
90 - 100 points or be in the top 25% of the class...................A
80 - 89 points or be in the top 50% of the class.....................B
70 - 79 points or be in the top 75% of the class.....................C
60 - 69 points or be in the top 90% of the class.....................D
Below 60 points and be in the bottom 10% of the class.........F
*Class ranking used only for classes of 20 or more students;
otherwise, grades will be assigned by points.
SCHEDULE
This course is offered during the Fall semester on Monday and
Wednesday from 1:20 - 2:35. Attendance is strongly encouraged.
Page 3 of 5
INFORMATION:
Hand-held calculators are permissible (in fact, encouraged) for class use.
If you do not have a calculator, it is recommended that you secure an
inexpensive calculator to perform simple arithmetic operations and to
extract square roots. While statistical procedures will be permissible using
Excel or other computer software, some pedagogical strategies call for
limited simple hand calculations. Students who have access to SPSS,
SAS, Statistica, or other software are encouraged to learn the procedures
to perform statistical analyses with these more sophisticated platforms.
Statistical analyses will be an expectation throughout the duration of the
course.
It is the policy of Ranger to comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with
a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact
administrative offices charged with Student Disability Services
designated in the college Catalog. Students may identify themselves to
the instructor at any time throughout the semester.
CONTENT:
The course emphasizes basic statistical concepts as well as manipulation
of data and normally includes the following topics:
Descriptive Statistics

Introduction to the Field of Statistics

Displaying Data

Frequency and Relative Frequency Distributions

Summarizing Data: Measures of Central Tendency

Summarizing Data: Measures of Dispersion

Numerical Scaling: Describing Individual Performances
Probability

Elementary Probability Events

Probability as Relative Frequency

Common Probability Distributions
Inferential Statistics

Estimation and Confidence Intervals
Page 4 of 5

Hypothesis Testing – p-values and α-level

Bivariate Correlation and Regression

t-Test Models

Single Classification Analysis of Variance
Tentative Class Schedule ( the pace may be modified if warranted)
(Chapter references to the textbook are expected to be read/studied before the corresponding
date.)
Lesson Number
January 13
Introduction/Orientation/Overview of the Course
1
January 15
Chapter 1
2
January 20
Chapter 2: 2.1, 2.2, & 2.3
3
January 22
Chapter 2: 2.4 & 2.5
4
January 27
Chapter 3: 3.1 & 3.2
5
January 29
Chapter 3: 3.3
6
February 3
Chapter 3: 3.4
7
February 5
Contingency & Review
8
February 10
Hour Quiz #1 (Open book, open note exam)
9
February 12
Chapter 4: 4.1, 4.2, & 4.3
10
February 17
Chapter 4: 4.4, 4.5, & 4.6
11
February 19
Chapter 5: 5.1, 5.2, & 5.3
12
February 24
Chapter 6: 6.1, 6.2
13
February 26
Chapter 6: 6.3, 6.4 & 6.5
14
March 3
Class Problem Session/Review
15
March 5
Hour Quiz #2 (Open book, open note exam)
16
March 10
Spring Break (No Class)
N/A
March 12
Spring Break (No Class)
N/A
March 17
Chapter 7
17
March 19
Chapter 8
18
March 24
Chapter 9: 9.1, 9.2 & 9.3
19
March 26
Chapter 9: 9.4 & 9.5
20
March 31
Chapter 10: 10.1 & 10.2
21
Page 5 of 5
Lesson Number (continued)
April 2
Chapter 10: 10.3 & 10.5
22
April 7
Chapter 16: 16.1, 16.2
23
April 9
Chapter 16: 16.3 & 16.4
24
April 14
Review
25
April 16
Quiz #3 (Open book, open note)
26
April 21
Chapter 14: 14.1 & 14.2
27
April 23
Chapter 14: 14.3 & 14.4
28
April 28
Chapter 15: 15.1 & 15.2
29
April 30
Chapter 15: 15.3 & 15.4
30
May 5
Review
31
May 7
Cumulative Final Exam (Open book, open note)
32