AP Statistics Summer Assignment 2015
Welcome to AP Statistics! The goal of this class is to prepare for the AP Statistics test in May and
hopefully get college credit. With that in mind, we do have to move fairly quickly through the material
throughout the year. It will be necessary for you to read your textbook and study on your own time
outside of class. You will learn very early on that AP Statistics is not just a math class and requires a
substantial amount of writing. You must be able to think critically, justify your answers, and
communicate your thought process clearly. Vocabulary will be very important throughout the year:
“It is the key to learning so much new information…a lot rolls over from chapter to chapter so
knowing the vocabulary makes it easier from the beginning rather than having to relearn each
lesson.” -former student Rakiya Cunningham
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce you to some vocabulary and topics that will be covered in
detail the first six weeks and will be very important for the remainder of the school year.
The assignment consists of two parts:
1. Reading and Vocabulary: You will use a free online statistical tutoring site that will give you
information on variables, data displays, and experiments. While reading through each of the
“suggested” topics, you will need to define each of the words in the vocabulary list on the
following page. I have organized it by general topic and then subtopic to make the words easier
to find. You may see some of the words used or defined in other sections during your reading,
but please use the definition from the section listed for your vocabulary list. Each section also
includes “Test Your Understanding” problems with solutions provided. I encourage you to
attempt to answer these questions before looking at the provided solutions. Though this will not
be a part of your actual grade, the questions are similar to ones that you will see on tests.
Follow the steps below:
i. Go to www.stattrek.com
ii. Click on “Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics”
iii. On the left side of the screen is a list of topics
iv. You need to read through all of the subtopics of the following:
1. The basics
2. Charts and Graphs
3. Surveys
4. Experiments
2. Flashcards: You need to create a set of flashcards on 3x5 (or 4x6) index cards. These need to be
handwritten with the word on the front and a definition on the back. You may find it useful to
also include examples/pictures with your definition when appropriate.
I am excited about working with you next school year. This class can (and will) be difficult at times, but
will certainly be a valuable learning experience and preparation for college if you are willing to put in
the work. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me at rmilligan@mesquiteisd.org
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Exploring Data Vocabulary
The Basics
Variables
Variable
Categorical
Quantitative
Discrete
Continuous
Population
vs Sample
Central
Tendency
Population
Sample
Parameter
Statistic
μ and 𝑥
Median
Mean
Variability
Position
Range
Interquartile Range
(ignore alt. def.)
Variance
Standard deviation
Percentile
Quartile
Standard score
(include formula)
Charts and Graphs
Patterns in data (include a sketch)
Comparing data sets
Symmetry
Unimodal
Bimodal
Bell-shaped
Center
Spread
Shape
Unusual Features
Skewness
Uniform
Gap
Outliers
Planning a Study Vocabulary
Surveys
Data Collection
Sampling Methods
Bias in Surveys
Census
Sample survey
Experiment
Observational study
Convenience sample
Stratified sampling
Systematic sampling
Bias
Representative
Under coverage
Nonresponse
Voluntary response
Response bias
Voluntary sample
Simple random sampling
Cluster sampling
Multi-stage sampling
Experiments
Intro to experiments
Factor
Level
Treatment
Experimental unit/subject
Three characteristics of a well-designed experiment
Control group
Placebo
Placebo effect
Blinding
Double blinding
Lurking variables
Confounding
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