STATISTICS 200 SECTIONS 1-3: (CLASS 1) SPRING SEMESTER 2016
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Welcome Stat 200 Students: I teach because I believe that everyone has the capacity to learn. It
has been a privilege to be able to teach Stat 200 for the past 27.5 years at Penn State. This is one of
my most challenging and daunting undertakings in life. Yet my passion remains as fervent as it was
on the first day that I walked into a classroom. I have devoted so much time and energy to this
course because it gives me the best opportunity to impact students who are mostly from nontechnical
majors and will only take one statistics course. Statistics permeates everyday life.
Learning is about the construction of knowledge. The key for success is to find the optimal way to
construct knowledge so that deep and life-long learning can take place. I look forward to facilitating your learning of
statistics. Best wishes. Pat Buchanan, Senior Instructor of Statistics
INSTRUCTOR:

Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

Office Hours: Thurs 2:30 – 4:30 PM (by appointment – sign-up sheet brought to class)

Phone: (814)-865-6266

Email: must send under the Communicate tab in Angel – will only read & respond to emails that
are received inside Angel where I am addressed by name, have a correct subject heading, and
class identification. Typically do red emails after 8:30 PM.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 5th Edition, by Jessica Utts & Robert Heckard

options include: 3-hole punch loose leaf (LL), hard cover, and electronic version. No JMP code
needed. Only the electronic version needs the Aplia code (instructor provides code). Instructor will
only work from the 5th edition. No International Version. Student solution manual is not required.
can also buy textbook directly from the publisher by using this website.

http://www.cengagebrain.com/course/site.html?id=1-1MGWKYS

a few copies are available in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) & Pattee Library
Iclicker (Penn State only supports iclicker or iclicker+)
 iclicker must be correctly registered with good batteries by Mon Jan 25. The course clicker policy is
posted on Angel. Clickers will be used to enhance learning and provide feedback. Similar questions
could appear on exams.
Calculator: won’t need with exams or any of the Pretests and the Posttest (so no course requirement)
TABLE 1: COURSE STRUCTURE (CLASS 1):
Section
Lecture (Mon & Wed)
Computer Labs (Tues &Thurs)
Section 1
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
214 Boucke: 9:05 AM
Section 2
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
214 Boucke: 10:10 AM
Section 3
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
214 Boucke: 11:15 AM
Lecture (Mon & Wed)

PowerPoint slides: posted by 7:30 PM on the previous day - bring copy to lecture

On-line Lecture Quizzes (LQ’s): posted to take after lecture prior to lab (does not count for a
grade) - strongly encouraged to take before lab if unclear on some topics covered in class.
Computer Lab Meeting (Tues & Thurs): must complete at the scheduled time and in the lab room

Lab Activity handout posted by 3:30 PM on previous day - bring copy to lab – don’t wait to print it at
lab - encouraged to work on it in advance if time is an issue - bring lecture notes.

complete “lab activities” either individually or in small groups – submit on-line Lab Activity Quiz
(LAQ) before leaving class – includes both concept application and data analysis often using the
statistical software package: Minitab – responsible for all information covered on the lab activity.
COURSE WEB SITE (ANGEL): https://cms.psu.edu:

everything relevant to the course will be posted, including course emails

Weekly Roadmap: includes readings and assigned homework problems.

Note: A course calendar is found at the end of this syllabus handout.
1
COURSE OVERVIEW & GOALS:
Overview: In today’s world, we find “big data” driving decisions made in every aspect of life. Statistics is a
discipline dedicated to unraveling the mystery of making such decisions when faced with uncertainty. More
precisely, statistics is the art and science of using sample data to make generalizations about populations.
The objective of this course is to explore and apply basic statistical concepts and procedures that are used
when analyzing data.
What you should discover is that statistics is not just another math course. While you will be exposed to
new terminology and concepts, much of the time you will use statistical software to solve problems that
require quantitative solutions. Math is said to be the language for communication with both science and
much of the social sciences. Statistics provides the structure for this communication.
You will not be inundated with repetitive calculations but instead will explore data with a context. Basic
algebra is the only prerequisite. The second part of the course is more technical. Success in this course
requires an ability to apply reasoning skills over memorization. Additionally, you will need to integrate new
material with previously-learned material throughout the semester. You are strongly encouraged to read
reputable news sources where you can see how statistics can be applied to every-day life.
Two Goals:
1. To understand the scientific method from a statistical perspective
be able to identify questions, collect evidence, discover and apply tools needed to interpret the
data, and communicate results. While you may never conduct a scientific study, it is still
possible that you may encounter data or statistical results over the course of a career.
2.
To become good “statistical” citizens
be able to: examine the information that you are inundated with, think critically about it, and
then use it to make good decisions. Science plays a key role in solutions for many of today’s
problems.
Note: A copy of the twenty-three learning objectives are posted on Angel
OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE A PART OF OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
Teaching Assistants (TA’s):

oversee the computer lab meetings – primarily serve as facilitators – don’t just give answers

work with a team of other graduate students who will hold shared office hours (SOH)

respond to emails received inside Angel
Learning Assistants (LA’s):

undergraduate students who are statistics majors (or in a closely related major)

will also help in the computer lab meetings (not available outside the computer lab meetings)
HELP OPTIONS:
With large enrollment classes, students need to consider all possible help options. Two free options include:
Shared Office Hours (SOH)

Location: 220D Boucke & Dates: (Tues Jan 19 – Thurs Apr 28)

Conducted by a pool of graduate students from the statistics department

Hours are: (1-4 pm & 6-9 pm on Mon thru Wed) & (1-3 pm & 6-9 pm on Thurs)
Guided Study Groups (Through Penn State Learning) – start week of Jan 24

Guided Study Groups (GSG) is a collaborative learning program designed to support students, who
are enrolled in challenging larger lecture courses

GSG is a study group led by a trained student leader who is specific for this course

More info at https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/study-groups
This course is a Lion Tutors/Nittany Note Free Zone. The instructor/ TA’s are not affiliated with and do
not provide any solutions for materials developed by external money-making sources such as Lion Tutors/
Nittany Notes. Such services only train you take an exam. These people are not statisticians. Consequently,
during the second-half of the semester, when the course material builds and becomes more challenging,
students struggle because they cannot integrate the old material with the new material. Do not: bring these
materials to office hours, show them to the instructor before or after class, or include them in any emails.
2
COURSE POLICIES:
In order for this large class to work both logistically and with fairness, certain policies must be in place for the
entire semester. With this course, you need to:

recognize that:
1. this is an in-residence course – can’t disappear for days/weeks expecting to make-up work
2. final grades are:
earned based on mastery of material (not on attendance or negotiations) - not changed for
financial aid and/or academic progress purposes. (also not curved or rounded) - individual
extra credit will not be allowed either during or after the end of the semester
3. lab activities & LAQ’s must be completed during the scheduled time in the assigned lab room
4. all exams, including the final, can only be taken at the scheduled time (can’t take early)
5. you must sign up for exams and follow all rules when using the Computer Testing Center
6. your iclicker must be: correctly registered & properly working (including good batteries)
7. instructor does not answer questions about grade calculations or clicker issues by email
8. you must seek immediate help if having problems
9. you must submit your own work

use Angel (with an acceptable browser and fully functioning internet connection):
1. to send email

under the “Quick Message” option (no response to emails received outside Angel)

with an acceptable greeting (includes a name), complete sentences, a subject line that
clearly identifies the purpose for the email & class identification by lecture time (Class 1 or
Class 2)
2. to regularly check:

the grade book right after making a submission (can’t report problems days/weeks/months
later) - Angel does not lose grades

all posted materials and emails

come to class: at the scheduled start time and willing to make the appropriate commitment (the
instructor does not post or provide filled-in lecture slides)

refrain from talking during class except as part of an activity as a matter of courtesy

Late Adds must contact the instructor within 24 hours of adding the course.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity includes a commitment to not engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation
or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the Penn State
community and compromise the worth of work completed by others. This course will follow the Eberly
College of Science policy at http://science.psu.edu/current-students/Integrity/Policy.html
Disability Policy:
“Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you have a
disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact the Office for Disability
Services (ODS) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY), at 116 Boucke. For further information regarding ODS, please
visit the Office for Disability Services Web site at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/. In order to receive consideration
for course accommodations, you must contact ODS and provide documentation (see the documentation
guidelines at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/guidelines/documentation-guidelines).
Homework Quizzes & LAQ’s have already been adjusted to accommodate those who need additional time.
Electronics Use Policy: Research has shown that using an electronic device with a screen during class
distracts other students around you and hinders their learning**. To eliminate the screen distraction (halo
effect), we will have two different zones in the classroom to accommodate both behaviors.

Students who would like to be guaranteed a "screen free" environment should sit in the left half of
the classroom (as you are facing the front). Students sitting in this area have committed to not
using any electronic devices with a screen, of any size (laptop, phone, table, iPod, etc.) for the
duration of the class period. It is fine to use your devices before class starts, but students in this
zone have agreed to put them entirely away during the actual class time.

Students, who will be using any electronic devices that have any kind of a screen, or who don't
mind seeing others use such devices, should sit on the right half of the room. This applies
regardless of the reason the student is using the device. However, all students must still use
behaviors that show respect to all class members when using electronic devices.
3
COURSE ASSESSMENTS:
Pretest (Attitudes and Knowledge): Must take in lab on Tues Jan 12 during the scheduled lab time

if at least 85% of the class completes, with a good faith effort, everyone who takes will receive 5
extra credit points - grade won’t immediately appear in Angel Gradebook – NSF Grant
Pretest (Math Skills Check): Thurs Jan 14 – Thurs Jan 21 (except for the weekend and MLK Day)

take at the Computer Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes (sign up in advance)

goal: provide the instructor with background information about math skills and acquaint students
with the computer testing center (bring pencil/pen)

will receive extra credit points for every correct answer (no-make-ups) – 5 points max
Posttest (Attitudes and Knowledge): Must take in lab on Thurs Apr 28 during scheduled lab time

if at least 85% of the class completes, with a good faith effort, everyone who takes will receive 5
extra credit points – grade won’t immediately appear in the Angel Gradebook – NSF Grant
TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF NONEXTRA CREDIT ASSESSMENTS
Assessments
Exam 1: Fri Feb 5
Exam 2: Fri Feb 26 Exam 3: Thurs Mar 24 or Fri Mar 25 Exam 4: Fri Apr 22
Final Exam (must take during scheduled time & date)
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ) - keep best 20 of 24 (make-up policy is posted)
Homework (HW) - keep best 8 of 9
Clicker Scores - 3 scores (policy posted)
Exam Wrapper (take after every exam)
Total
Pts: Each
60
100
250
10
12
30
1
Overall Pts
60
300
250
200
96
90
4
1000
Exams: (4 exams will be given/no drops) – can’t take early

Exam 1: 25 questions while all other exams will include 30 multiple choice questions (60 minutes)
take at Computer Testing Center (104 Pollock) on scheduled date & time (sign up in advance)

topics will carry over from previous exams so that you can integrate course material

some exam questions will come from clicker questions, homework, along with extra problems listed
from the textbook

provided a piece of scratch paper at exam (bring your own pencil/pen) – some helpful information is
embedded – nothing else allowed such as a calculator, cellphone, notes, Bluetooth watch, etc.

must follow the Testing Center policies – failure to do so will results in a “0” for the first offence evidence can come from witnesses, security cameras and computer records
Exam Wrapper: (take after each exam) – all four scores count

designed to help students learn about whether their strategy about studying for exams is optional
Final Exam:

comprehensive (50 questions) / (half of the questions come from a common test bank)

can only take on scheduled date & time (schedule posted on Elion - Mon Feb 15)

must follow same rules and procedures as found with exams
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): keep best 20 out of 24 scores

take using Angel after completing each lab activity - 20 minutes

consist of about 20 questions based on concepts covered in lectures and lab activities

must take in Boucke lab during scheduled lab time (one try only)
Homework (HW): keep best 8 out of 9 scores

questions will come from the textbook (problems listed on Weekly Roadmap) – similar problems will
be listed for practice where answers are provided in the back of the textbook

problems will reinforce what is taught in lecture and revealed during the lab activities

will be submitted inside Angel by a scheduled time and date (quiz format) – 30 minutes

can take twice (best score will count) – will open on Thurs 1:00 PM for 72 hours (three days)

can’t submit late and no adjustments for computer problems (don’t wait until last minute)
Clicker Scores: keep all three scores
 detailed handout of policy and procedures is posted (please read)
4
MAKE-UP POLICY:

Note: make-ups will not be granted to students who are not regularly participating in the class.
This includes make-ups for any exam and the final.

For make-ups that are approved:
- work must be completed within three days of returning to campus/class
- under the same conditions/restrictions that was used by other class members
Lab Activity Quizzes & Homework Quizzes Make-Ups:

no make-ups under most circumstances because the course is front-loaded with drops

MOST IMPORTANT: with LAQ’s: everyone must use two drops (no exceptions) when sick,
have surgery, attend funerals, at court, family issues, personal problems, missed the bus, bad
weather, transportation/car issues, alarm on cell phone not working, work-related issues, Thon, etc.

It is not necessary to email the instructor about missing class with regard to these misses. Angel
will find the drops near the end of the semester.

Class will be held unless the university shut downs

extended illness/problems will be dealt with on an individual basis

quizzes will be available for practice after all students have submitted
Exams Make-ups:

only allowed if you have a University-related excuse or a religious conflict, you must talk to the
instructor in person and provide documentation with appropriate letterhead and signatures, prior to
the exam for arrangements.

Illnesses will be dealt with on an individual basis. Must contact the instructor by the exam day
about any unexpected illnesses, etc. All exams will be available for review after all students have
submitted

Exams, including the Final Exam, cannot be taken early (no exceptions)
GRADES:
Reported in the Angel Grade Book

based on points (not percent’s) - select “grades” with category under Repots

assessments linked to the grade book will show a grade of “0” until a submission is actually made

must check the Angel gradebook immediately after a submission/can’t report days or weeks later
about missing grades

Angel does not loose grades

Instructor does not answer emails about grade calculations or clicker issues
Final Grades: based on 1000 points

most importantly, grades are earned based on academic performance

point ranges for final grades are found in Table 3.

grade boundaries must be set so that student performances can be fairly evaluated

do not expect the grades to be curved (also cannot negotiate your grade or missed assignments at
the end of or after the semester is over).

will not be rounded. For example, a point total of 929.99 will be an A- grade, while a point total of
699.99 will be a D grade.

some class extra credit options are available during the semester to off-set policies that must exist
with large enrollment classes

no individual extra credit allowed either during or after the semester is over
TABLE 3: POINT BOUNDARIES FOR FINAL GRADES
Final Grade
Minimum Points Needed*
A
930 points
A900 points
B+
870 points
B
830 points
B800 points
C+
770 points
C
700 points
D
600 points
F
0 points
5
TEXTBOOK COVERAGE:
TABLE 4: CHAPTERS COVERED & CORRESPONDING TOPICS*
Chapters
Topics
Chapter 1 (all sections)
Overview of Statistics, Population, Sample, & Statistical Principles
Chapter 2 (all sections)
Descriptive Methods: (one quantitative) & (one categorical) variable
Chapter 3: (all sections)
Descriptive Methods: Regression & Correlation
Chapter 4: Sections 4.1 – 4.4
Chi-square Procedure: 2X2 tables (relative risk, increased risk,
odds)
Chapter 5: Sections 5.1-5.3
Margin of error, polls, confidence interval, simple random sample
Chapter 6: Sections 6.1-6.3
Design of “Randomized Experiments” &” Observational Studies”
Chapter 7: Sections 7.1- 7.4, 7.7
Probability Interpretation, Rules & Flawed Intuitive Judgments
Chapter 8: Sections 8.1- 8.7
Random variables, Binomial distribution, & Normal distribution
Chapter 9: Sections 9.1- 9.4, 9.6, 9.9-9.10
Sampling Distributions, Central Limit Theorem
Chapter 10: (all sections)
Confidence Intervals: Population Proportion(s)
Chapter 11: Sections 11.1 – 11.5
Confidence Intervals: Population Mean(s)
Chapter 12: Sections (all sections)
Hypothesis Tests: Population Proportion(s)
Chapter 13: Sections 13.1 – 13.6
Hypotheses Tests: Population Mean(s)
Chapter 14: Sections 14.3
Hypothesis tests: Population Correlation & Population Slope tests
Chapter 15: Sections 15.1 & 15.2
Chi-square Tests: larger than 2X2 tables
Pages 351, 352, 511, 514 in textbook
Nonparametrics (Population Median) – just when to use – Central
Limit Theorem
*Not all chapters will be covered in the order found in the textbook.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Will only consider writing letters for students who:
 get to know me through several interactions (so that I can discover things to put in the letter)
 have a final grade of at least a B+ and when given 4-6 weeks of advanced notice
SOME HELPFUL TIPS:

The course requires both the acquisition of basic knowledge and conceptual understanding in
order to successfully solve challenging problems. Unfortunately, memorization only allows for
the acquisition of basic knowledge.

Many students don’t learn all of the material that we’ll see in this course the first time they are
exposed to it. So you can expect to do need several rounds of studying, trying, and evaluation
to master such material.

For enduring (deep) learning the three key components are: productive struggle, explicit
connections, and deliberate practice

Many studies have shown that multitasking is very detrimental to learning. When using this
practice to complete a task, it often takes longer and leads to making mistakes. Under these
conditions, the brain loses the capacity for deep thinking.

I see my job like that of a coach – I do my best to help, but ultimately the student plays a very large
role in his or her success. Thus, while I can help, ultimately learning is the responsibility of the
student.
 The three top reasons why students do poorly in this class: 1. don’t attend class, 2. don’t complete
the HW, and 3. become too dependent on Lion Tutors/Nittany Notes, etc.
PENN STATE VALUES (APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL IN JUNE 2015):
Below are the six values for which everyone in the Penn State community should adhere to when making
choices and decisions:
1. Integrity: We act with integrity and honesty in accordance with the highest academic, professional,
and ethical standards.
2. Respect: We respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a
diverse and inclusive community.
3. Responsibility: We act responsibly, and we are accountable for our decisions, actions, and their
consequences.
4. Discovery: We seek and create new knowledge and understanding, and foster creativity and
innovation, for the benefit of our communities, society, and the environment.
5. Excellence: We strive for excellence in all our endeavors as individuals, an institution, and a leader
in higher education.
6. Community: We work together for the betterment of our University, the communities we serve, and
the world.
6
COURSE CALENDAR: Stat 200 Spring 2016: Sections 1- 3 (Class 1)
Wk Date
Assignment
Mon Jan 4 – Mon Jan 11
Background Survey (Use some data in the first class)
1
Mon Jan 11
Introductory Lecture
Pretest: Attitudes & Knowledge (must take during your
1
Tues Jan 12
scheduled lab in 214 Boucke –on this date - extra credit
possible with at least 85% class participation)
No Class – do in-class readings Take Reading Quiz1 on
1
Wed Jan 13
the readings before lab on Thurs
1
Thurs Jan 14
LAQ1 (Bring a copy of lab activity handout to class)
1
Thurs Jan 14 - Thurs Jan 19
2
Mon Jan 18
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Tues Jan 19
Wed Jan 20
Thurs Jan 21
Mon Jan 25
Tues Jan 26
Wed Jan 27
Thurs Jan 28
Mon Feb 1
Tues Feb 2
Wed Feb 3
Thurs Feb 4
4
5
5
5
5
6
Fri Feb 5
Mon Feb 8
Tues Feb 9
Wed Feb 10
Thurs Feb 11
Mon Feb 15
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
Tues Feb 16
Wed Feb 17
Thurs Feb 18
Mon Feb 22
Tues Feb 23
Wed Feb 24
Thurs Feb 25
Fri Feb 26
Mon Feb 29
Tues Mar 1
Wed Mar 2
Thurs Mar 3
9
9
9
Mon Mar 7 – Fri Mar 11
Mon Mar 14
Tues Mar 15
Wed Mar 16
Pretest Math Skills (sign up to take at computer testing
center) – possible extra credit points – based on
performance – no extensions – bring pen/pencil
No Class - MLK Day – do assigned readings - Take
Reading Quiz2 on readings before lab on Tues
LAQ2
Lecture 1 (remember electronic policy)
LAQ3 (HW1– opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 2 – first day use clickers (policy posted)
LAQ4
Lecture 3
LAQ5 (HW2– opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 4
LAQ6
Exam Review (by instructor) – post worksheet
TA’s available in 214 Boucke to answer questions during
regular lab class in preparation for exam (no new lab
activities will be completed)
Exam 1 in Computer Testing Center
Lecture 5
LAQ7 (make-up day for Exam 1 if needed)
Lecture 6
LAQ8 (HW3 – opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 7 (Final Exam Date and Time will be available)
For University-Approved Conflict – must file for by Mar 6
LAQ9
Lecture 8
LAQ10 (HW4 – opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 9
LAQ11
Exam Review (by instructor) - post worksheet
TA’s available in lab to answer questions
Exam 2 in Computer Testing Center
Lecture 10
LAQ12 (make-up for Exam 2 if needed)
Lecture 11
LAQ13 (HW5 – opens at 1:00 PM - open entire break
until Mon Mar 14 at 8:30 AM)
Spring Break – Safe Travels
Lecture 12
LAQ14
Lecture 13
7
9
10
10
10
10
Thurs Mar 17
Mon Mar 21
Tues Mar 22
Wed Mar 23
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
Thurs Mar 24 – Fri Mar 25
Mon Mar 28
Tues Mar 29
Wed Mar 30
Thurs Mar 31
Mon Apr 4
Tues Apr 5
Wed Apr 6
Thurs Apr 7
Fri Apr 8
Mon Apr 11
Tues Apr 12
Wed Apr 13
Thurs Apr 14
Mon Apr 18
Tues Apr 19
Wed Apr 20
Thurs Apr 21
14
15
15
15
15
Fri Apr 22
Mon Apr 25
Tues Apr 26
Wed Apr 27
Thurs Apr 28
16
Mon May 2 – May 6
LAQ15 (HW6 – opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 14
LAQ16
Exam Review (by instructor) - post worksheet
TA’s available in 214 Boucke to answer questions during
regular lab class in preparation for exam (no new lab
activities will be completed)
Exam 3 in Computer Testing Center
Lecture 15
LAQ17
Lecture 16
LAQ18 (HW7 – opens at 1:00 PM ) for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 17
LAQ19
Lecture 18
LAQ20 (HW8 – opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Late Drop Deadline
Lecture 19
LAQ21
Lecture 20
LAQ22 (HW9 - opens at 1:00 PM for 72 hrs (3 days))
Lecture 21
LAQ23
Exam Review (by instructor) - post worksheet
TA’s available in 214 Boucke to answer questions during
regular lab class in preparation for exam (no new lab
activities will be completed)
Exam 4 in Computer Testing Center
Lecture 22
LAQ24
Review of Exam 4 and helpful information for the Final
Posttest: Attitudes & Knowledge (must take during
scheduled lab in 214 Boucke on this date– extra credit
possible with at least 85% class participation )
Final Exam - Date TBD Mon Feb 15
(Do not make plans to leave campus prior to the
scheduled final exam date and time – cannot take early –
must take on scheduled time and date – no make-up
Which type of student are you?
8