STATISTICS 200: SECTIONS 9-12
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS: FALL SEMESTER 2010
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to Stat 200. In today’s world, we are seeing a major trend throughout
both industry and government where decisions are data-driven. Statistics is a discipline dedicated to
unraveling the mystery of making such decisions in the face of 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.
Course topics covered include methods for:

collecting and summarizing sample data

evaluating the accuracy of estimates obtained from sample data

making statistical inferences about populations
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. 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
than the first half. Success in this course requires an ability to apply reasoning skills over memorization.
You are strongly encouraged to read newspapers where you can see how statistics can be applied to everyday life. Best wishes for much success in this course
INSTRUCTOR:

Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

Office Hours: Wed 12 – 2 PM

Phone: (814)-865-6266

Email: must send under Communicate tab in Angel (quick message option) for response
TABLE 1: ROOMS & TIMES
Section
Lecture (Tues & Thurs)**
Section 1
108 Forum 8:00 AM
Section 2
108 Forum 8:00 AM
Section 3
108 Forum 8:00 AM
Section 4
108 Forum 8:00 AM
Computer Labs (Fri & Mon)*
214 Boucke: 8:00 AM
214 Boucke: 9:05 AM
214 Boucke: 10:10 AM
214 Boucke: 11:15 AM
COURSE FORMAT:

Overview Lecture (Tues and/or Thurs): be prompt for class
1. PowerPoint slides: posted in advance by 5:00 PM previous day - bring copy to lecture
2. Presented information will be applied in labs, quizzes, exams, & homework
3. On-line lecture quizzes will be posted to take after the lecture

Computer Labs (Fri & Mon): must attend at the time listed on your schedule
1. Posted in advance by 5:00 PM previous day - bring copy to lab (none provided)
2. Complete “lab activities” either individually or in small groups
3. Lab activities will include both data analysis & concept illustration often requiring use of
the statistical software package: Minitab
4. Be prepared to learn - bring lecture notes (review in-advance)
TEACHING ASSISTANTS (TA’s): will

hold office hours where in-depth help can be provided (check Angel for information)

usually oversee the Mon computer labs

answer questions about grade calculations (Instructor does not calculate grades)

help proctor exams

only respond to email sent inside Angel (same restrictions as stated above)
1
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
rd
Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 3 Edition, by Utts and Heckard (don’t need the CD)
1. both new and used copies are available
1. rent the textbook: http://www.chegg.com
2. copies on reserve at both Pattee & PAMS libraries
Simple Calculator: to complete homework assignments & lab activity calculations – won’t need for exams
TABLE 2: Chapters Covered & Corresponding Topics
Chapters
Chapter 1 (all sections)
Chapter 2 (all sections)
Chapter 3: Sections 3.2
Chapter 4: Sections 4.1-4.3
Chapter 5: (all sections)
Chapter 6: Sections 6.1 - 6.4
Chapter 7: Section 7.7
Chapter 8: Sections 8.1-8.4, 8.6
Chapter 9: Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.6, 9.9
Chapter 10: (all sections)
Chapter 11: Sections 11.1 – 11.4
Chapter 12: Sections 12.1 – 12.4
Chapter 13: Sections 13.1 – 13.5
Chapter 14: Pages 609-613
Chapter 15: Sections 15.1 & 15.2
Chapter 16: Sections 16.1 & 16.2
Chapter 18: Section 18.1 (Also 16.3)
Topics
Overview of Statistics, Population, Sample, & Statistical Principles
Descriptive Methods: (one quantitative) & (one categorical) variable
Margin of error, polls, & corresponding confidence interval
Design of “Randomized Experiments” &” Observational Studies”
Descriptive Methods: Regression & Correlation
Chi-square Procedure: 2X2 tables (also relative risk, etc)
Flawed Intuitive Judgments
Random variables, Binomial distribution, & Normal distribution
Sampling Distributions About Probability
Confidence Intervals: Population Proportion(s)
Confidence Intervals: Population Mean(s)
Hypothesis Tests: Population Proportion(s)
Hypotheses Tests: Population Mean(s)
Hypothesis test: Population Correlation (link to Population Slope test)
Chi-square Procedures: other than 2X2 tables
One-Way ANOVA & Two-Way ANOVA (no replication)
Nonparametrics
COURSE WEB SITE (ANGEL): https://cms.psu.edu: On the Angel web site, you will find:

Course syllabus, course calendar & Weekly Agenda’s (include assigned Homework and readings)

Lab activity quizzes, lecture quizzes, & homework’s (available at later time for review)

Study guides for exams (posted at least one week in advance)

Power point slides (bring to lectures)

Announcements & email correspondence (check Angel email daily during the week)

Lab activity handouts (bring to lab) and data sets

Grades in angel grade book (grade will appear as a “0” until the grade is recorded)
COURSE AGREEMENT: This syllabus serves as an agreement that begins on the first day of class & ends
upon completion of the final exam. With this course, you are responsible for:

anything discussed in class & posted on the ANGEL website

sending & replying all course email by only using the angel “Quick Message” option (check Angel
email daily during the week – only way to receive a response )

coming to the class prepared to learn & finding enough time to make the appropriate commitment

seeking appropriate & timely help if having problems

following course policy which states that:
1. final grades will not be changed for purposes of maintaining financial aid and/or academic
progress. (also grades will not be curved or rounded)
2. all exams & quizzes, including the final exam, must be taken during the scheduled time

checking your grade on Angel as soon as you submit an quiz or HW (can’t report days later)

signing up for exam times when contacted by computerized testing center

not making plans to leave campus prior to taking the final exam at the scheduled time

accepting the course make-up policy

accepting that grades will be based on mastery of material (not on attendance)

accepting that individual extra credit will not be allowed

calculating your grade based on information found in the Angel Grade book (use points)
PENN STATE PRINCIPLES: I will

respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State Community

practice academic integrity

demonstrate social and personal responsibility

be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies
2
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 guidelines found under Academic Integrity (Section 49-20) of the University Faculty Senate
Policies for Students.
DISABILITY POLICY: Penn State does not discriminate against qualified students with documented
disabilities in its educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for modifications in the course,
contact both the instructor and the Office for Disability Services (116 Boucke) at the beginning of the
semester.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Exams: (Best 3 out of 4 will count)

include (44-47) multiple choice questions

must take at Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) on scheduled date any time between (8
AM – 11 PM) - 60 minutes in length (late make-ups are not given)

topics may carry over from previous exams

provided a piece of scratch paper at exam (bring your own pencil) – nothing else allowed

refer to the limited make-up policy
Final Exam:

selectively comprehensive (70-75 questions)

must take during scheduled final exam date (date available on Mon Sept 27 – can’t take early no
matter what is the reason - other than university approved conflicts – file for conflict by Oct 17

provided a piece of scratch paper with flow chart at exam - (bring your own pencil) – nothing else
allowed
Homework (HW): best 7 out of 9 will count

will be submitted inside Angel by a scheduled time and date (quiz format) – 20 minutes

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

check Angel Grade Book immediately after submit HW

not responsible for computer glitches (also don’t wait until last minute)

on week it is due: available Mon 12:30 PM – Tues 4:00 AM

can take twice if like (best score will count)
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): best 19 out of 23 will count

taken inside Angel after each lab activity (without help from the instructor or TA) - 17 minutes

must take in 214 Boucke during scheduled lab time (one try)

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

consist of about 20 questions based on concepts covered in lectures and activities

check Angel Grade book immediately after to submission to see if grade was recorded
Lecture Quizzes (LQ): best 15 out of 19 will count

will be posted on Angel after the lecture is given and have until next day at 4:00 AM to complete

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

based on a key topics discussed in lecture (around 10 questions) – 20 minutes (one try)

check Angel Grade book immediately after submission to see if grade was recorded

not responsible for computer glitches (also don’t wait until last minute)
Pretest: Fri Aug 27 (8 AM to 11 PM)

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes

need to sign up to take in advance

goals: get you acquainted with the testing center & provide instructor with background information

will receive 5 points extra credit for a complete submission
Posttest: Wed Dec8 (8 AM - 11 PM)

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes

possible extra credit – based on mastery of material

adjustment made for big course policies
3
MAKE-UP POLICY: In general make-ups will not be given. Specifically:
Lab Activity Quizzes, Homework, & Lecture Quizzes:

no make-ups under any circumstance (so don’t ask!)

because drops are in place & the quizzes are automated

This includes: 1) illnesses, 2) family situations, 3) late add’s &4) any computer issues etc.
Exams:

If you have University-related excuse or religious conflict, you must provide appropriate
documentation prior to the exam. Arrangements will be made at this time.

Late exams will not be given

All other situations, including illness, family, and personal problems, must use the drop option

Grade adjustments for extended illnesses be based on the final exam score
Final Exam:

only university-approved conflicts will be allowed – filed with registrar’s office

can’t take early no matter what the circumstances (so don’t ask!)
Policy for this class with regard to illness/flu/accidents, car trouble & family/ personal issues, etc.:
Individual make-ups will not be allowed during the semester because drops are available with each
requirement. The instructor can’t be running individual make-ups with 640 students. All assessments that
are completed in Angel will be posted for practice. Because of this, each student will be allowed to take the
Posttest at the end of the semester where a certain number of extra credit points can be achieved. Point
number for Posttest will be determined at the end of the semester.
TABLE 3: SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
Pts/Effort
Exams (keep best 3 of 4)
120

Fri Sept 17

Fri Oct 8

Fri Oct 29

Fri Dec 3
Final Exam
212
12
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ)* - keep best 19 out of 23
20
Homework (HW)* - keep best 7 out of 9
4
Lecture Quizzes (LQ)* - keep best 15 out of 19
Total
*no make-ups so don’t ask because the answer will be “no”
Overall Pts
360
Overall Percent (%)
36%
212
228
140
60
1000
21.2%
22.8%
14%
6%
100%
FINAL GRADES: Final grades will be based on 1000 possible points. Point ranges for final grades are
found in Table 4. Do not expect the grades to be curved. Grades will be posted in the Angel Grade Book
and appear as points.
TABLE 4: POINT BOUNDARIES FOR FINAL GRADES*
Final Grade
Minimum Points Needed
A
920 points
A900 points
B+
870 points
B
820 points
B800 points
C+
750 points
C
700 points
D
600 points
F
0 points
*You must achieve the listed point cut-off. No rounding will be used. For example a score of 919.68 will
be assigned a grade of A-.
4