STATISTICS 200: SECTION 102 (SUMMER SEMESTER 2015)
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
INSTRUCTOR:

Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

Office Hours: By Appointment & Phone: (814)-865-6266

Email: must send under Communicate tab in Angel (quick message option) for response –
usually don’t check email later than around 8:30 PM
ROOM & TIME: 7 Life Sciences (9:35 – 10:50 AM) – class will start promptly at 9:35 AM
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 5th Edition, by Jessica Utts & Robert Heckard

Options include a 3-hole punch loose leaf, hard cover, and electronic version. Aplia code will only
be needed for the electronic version (instructor provides code.) Also consider renting/ sharing a
copy. Work from the 5th edition. No International Version. Student solution manual is not required.
Can also buy the textbook directly from the publisher by using this website.

www.cengagebrain.com/course/stat200ebook

Copies available in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) & Pattee Libraries
Iclicker (Penn State only supports iclicker or iclicker+/no iclicker2 or iclicker GO)
Will start using clickers on Wed May 20 – so must be correctly registered with good batteries. The course
clicker policy is posted on Angel. Clickers will be used to enhance learning / provide feedback. Remember
that there is a new i>clicker policy with regard to how used clickers are registered to a different person.
Simple Calculator: for homework assignments & lab activity calculations – won’t need for exams
TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA): Ame Osotsi Office Hours: T&R 1:00 – 2:30 PM (301 Thomas)
COURSE FORMAT: Most days will include a combination of:

Lectures (25-30 minutes) & Lab Activates (remaining 45-50 minutes)
1. PowerPoint slides: posted in advance by 8:00 PM previous day - bring copy to class
2. Lab Activity: posted in advance by 8:00 PM previous day – bring a copy to class
3. Complete Lab Activity Quiz (LAQ) before leave class
4. Lecture Quizzes (LQ) after class – take to reinforce what was taught in class – even
though do not count for points – still very valuable
Note: You must attend the entire class in order to participate in the lab activities, including the LAQ’s.
COURSE 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 session. You are strongly encouraged to read
newspapers where you can see how statistics can be applied to every-day life.
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COURSE GOALS: The two overarching goals are to:
1. 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.
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
COURSE WEB SITE (ANGEL): https://cms.psu.edu: On the Angel web site, you will find:

Syllabus, Course Calendar, Weekly Roadmaps, Grade Book, Exam Study Guides, Lecture quizzes

Lab activity quizzes & Homework’s quizzes (also available at a later time for practice)

Power point slides (bring to lectures) & Lab activity handouts (bring to lab)

Announcements & email correspondence (check Angel email daily during the week)

Course Learning Goals (Common Final will include a question from each learning goal)
COURSE CALENDAR & WEEKLY ROADMAP:

Course Calendar: provides dates for all exams, lab quizzes, & homework’s for the entire semester

Weekly Roadmap: includes readings and assigned homework problems, etc.
GRADES IN ANGEL GRADE BOOK (Angel does not loose grades):

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
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 must:

accept that:
1. this is an in-residence course/ you 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. during class cell phones should be put away as a matter of respect to the instructor
4. lab activities & LAQ’s must be completed during the scheduled time in the assigned lab room
5. all exams, including the final, must be taken at the scheduled time (can’t take early)
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 sign up for exams and follow rules when using the computerized testing center
10. the instructor is not connected to and does not provide answers/ solutions to problems
developed by external money-making sources such as Lion Tutors, Nittany Notes etc.
11. you must submit your own work – don’t just copy from classmates

use Angel:
1. with an acceptable browser and fully functioning internet connection
2. to send email;

under the “Quick Message” option (no response to emails received outside Angel)

with polite and acceptable greeting (includes name), complete sentences, and clear
subject line
3. to regularly check:

the grade book right after making a submission or posting (can’t report problems
days/weeks/months later) - Angel does not lose grades

come to class:
at the scheduled start time, prepared to learn, willing to make the appropriate commitment
PENN STATE Expectations include: _____

practicing academic integrity

owning individual responsibility for your academic progress

maintaining social and personal responsibility

respecting the dignity of everyone in the Penn State community
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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 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.
COURSE ASSESSMENTS
Exams: (3 exams will be given) – all count

each will include around 40-45 multiple choice questions

take at computerized testing center on scheduled date & time - 75 minutes

embedded information will be included in the exam

some topics carry over from previous exams

provided a piece of scratch paper at exam (bring your own pencil) – nothing else allowed
Homework (HW): keep best 8 out of 9 scores*

problems come from textbook

will be submitted inside Angel by a scheduled time and date (quiz format) – 30 minutes

can take twice (best score will count) – will open at noon and remain open until 9:00 AM
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): keep best 21 out of 24 scores*

taken inside Angel after completing each lab activity - open 20 minutes

consist of about 17-22 questions based on concepts covered in lectures and activities

must take in 7 Life Sciences during scheduled lab time (one try)
Final Exam:

selectively comprehensive (about 50 questions)

must take on Mon June 29 (can’t take early under any circumstance)

same rules and procedures should be followed as found with exams
Clicker Points:

grade will reported three times during the summer session

detailed handout of policy and procedures will be posted by Wed May 20
PreTest: take on your own after class on Mon May 18 (5 extra credit points for correct answers)
Posttest: Fri June 26

10 possible extra credit points (one point for each correct answer)
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Lab Activity Quizzes & Homework Quizzes:

no make-ups under most circumstances – the course is front-loaded with drops

everyone will have to use one drop when sick, need to go to funeral, court, family issue etc.

extended illness/problems will be dealt with on an individual basis
Exams:

If you have 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 based. All exams will be available for review and
practice after all students have submitted.
Make-ups will not be granted to students who are not regularly participating in the class
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TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
Exams Exam 1: Fri May 29
Exam 2: Fri June 12
Exam 3: Tues June 23
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ)* - keep best 21 of 24
Clicker Points (posted three times)
Homework (HW) - keep best 8 of 9
Final: Mon June 29 (must take on this date)
Total
*Must attend entire class in order to participate
Pts/Effort
100
15
15
15
220
Overall Pts
300
Overall Percent (%)
30%
315
45
120
130
1000
31.5%
4. 5%
12%
22%
100%
FINAL GRADES:

based on 1000 points (no rounding)

point ranges for final grades are found in Table 3.

grades will be posted in the Angel Grade Book as points (not percents) – use correct Angel settings
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
*You must achieve the listed point cut-off.
No rounding will be used. For example, a point total of 929.99 will be assigned a grade of A- , while a point
total of 699.99 will be assigned a grade of D.
TABLE 4: CHAPTERS COVERED & CORRESPONDING TOPICS*
Chapters
Topics
Chapter 1 (all sections)
Overview of Statistics, Population, Sample, and some of the 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 Test: 2x2 tables (relative risk, increased risk, odds)
Chapter 5: Sections 5.2
Margin of error, polls, confidence interval
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- 8.6
Random variables, Binomial distribution, & Normal distribution
Chapter 9: Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.6, 9.9 Sampling Distributions
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 (link to Population Slope) test
Chapter 15: Sections 15.1 & 15.2
Chi-square Tests: larger than 2X2 tables
Pages 511, 514 in textbook
Nonparametrics (Population Median) - when to use
*Not all chapters will be covered in the order found in the textbook.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Will only consider writing one for students who:
 get to know me through several interactions (so that I can discover things to put in the letter)
 have final grade of at least a B+
 when given 4-6 week advanced notice
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Stat 200 Section 102: Summer 2015
Wk
1
Day
Mon May 18
1
1
1
Tues May 19
Wed May 20
Thurs May 21
Assessment
Intro Lecture (complete Practice lab and quiz)
(take PreTest) - outside class
Lecture 1 Lab Activity 1 & LAQ1
Lecture 2 (clicker 1) & Lab Activity 2 & LAQ2
Lecture 3 (clicker 2) & Lab Activity 3 & LAQ3
1
Fri May 22
HW 1 submit by 9:00 AM
2
2
Mon May 25
Tues May 26
2
2
Wed May 27
Thurs May 28
Lecture 4 (clicker 3) & Lab Activity 4 & LAQ4
No Class
HW 2 submit by 9:00 AM
Lecture 5 (clicker 4) & Lab Activity 5 & LAQ5
Lecture 6 (clicker 5) & Lab Activity 6 & LAQ6
HW 3 submit by 9:00 AM
2
3
3
3
3
Fri May 29
Mon June 1
Tues June 2
Wed June 3
Thurs June 4
Lab Activity 7 & LAQ7
Exam 1
Lecture 7 (clicker 6) & Lab Activity 8 & LAQ8
Lecture 8 (clicker 7) & Lab Activity 9 & LAQ9
Lecture 9 (clicker 8) & Lab Activity 10 & LAQ10
HW 4 submit by 9:00 AM
3
4
Fri June 5
Mon June 8
Lecture 10 (clicker 9) & Lab Activity 11 & LAQ11
Lecture 11 (clicker 10) & Lab Activity 12 & LAQ12
HW 5 submit by 9:00 AM
4
4
Tues June 9
Wed June 10
Lecture 12 (clicker 11) & Lab Activity 13 & LAQ13
Lecture 13 (clicker 12) & Lab Activity 14 & LAQ14
HW 6 submit by 9:00 AM
4
4
5
5
5
Thurs June 11
Fri June 12
Mon June 15
Tues June 16
Wed June 17
Lecture 14 (clicker 13) & Lab Activity 15 & LAQ15
Lab Activity 16 & LAQ16
Exam 2
Lecture 15 (clicker 14) & Lab Activity 17 & LAQ17
Lecture 16 (clicker 15) & Lab Activity 18 & LAQ18
HW 7 submit by 9:00 AM
5
5
6
Thurs June 18
Fri June 19
Mon June 22
Lecture 17 (clicker 16) & Lab Activity 19 & LAQ19
Lecture 18 (clicker 17) & Lab Activity 20 & LAQ20
Lab Activity 21 & LAQ21
HW8 submit by 9:00 AM
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6
6
Tues June 23
Wed June 24
Thurs June 25
Lecture 19 (clicker 18) & Lab Activity 22 & LAQ22
Exam 3
Lecture 20 (clicker 19) & Lab Activity 23 & LAQ23
Lecture 21 (clicker 20)
6
Fri June 26
Lab Activity 24 & LAQ24
HW9 submit by 9:00AM
Lab Activity 25 & LAQ25 (extra credit)
7
Mon June 29
Post Test (possible extra credit)
Final Exam (Selectively comprehensive):
“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who
make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.” - John M. Richardson
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Some Helpful Tips Provided By Previous Students:
1. Pay attention in class - and always ask if you do not understand something. It’s better to
ask than to no know at all
2. Doing the lecture quizzes and optional homework is definitely what contributed to me
getting over 100% in the course,
3. Come to class. Take notes firstly, and then spend more time on reviewing. Convert the
lecture "words" into your own understanding
4. Do lecture practice quizzes soon after the lecture to reinforce the material you just
learned. It helps to remember the information if you process it more often.
5. Be sure to constantly review notes and consult your teacher as soon as any problems
occur. Since this course constantly builds upon itself, getting lost early on makes
material confusing. Be sure to review, make flow charts and also meet with the TA; s.
6. Take LAQ’s and homework’s seriously – do practice quizzes – great study tool
7. Go to class every day, don't fall behind.
8. Do the practices offered on Angel, and keep up with classwork. Find people to work with
and help each other out!
9. Come to all classes, so you will know the entire subject for the tests. Also, if it is possible,
do all homework and Labs. Print the slides, labs, and read the chapter before classes
also is a helpful tip.
10. Study the notes every day and redo all the lecture quizzes and lab quizzes
11. Follow along attentively in class. Do all homework’s and attend class regularly.
12. Use all the practice quizzes – listen in lecture and take good notes
13. I would recommend you to understand how all the material fits together, instead of just its
individual components. Also to go consult the TA and other people in the class with
questions. Definitely come to class and take the labs seriously because they help to
solidify the information that you have learned in class. Attend and pay attention in class.
Chinese Proverb
Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and
I'll understand.
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