STATISTICS 200: SECTIONS 1- 3 (SPRING SEMESTER 2013)
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
INSTRUCTOR:

Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

Office Hours: Thurs 3:00 – 4:50 PM & Phone: (814)-865-6266

Email: must send under Communicate tab in Angel (quick message option) –also will only
respond to emails found inside Angel - usually do not check email after about 7:30 PM.
TABLE 1: ROOMS & TIMES
Section
Lecture (Mon & Wed)
Section 1
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
Section 2
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
Section 3
101 Thomas 9:05 AM
Computer Labs (Tues &Thurs)
214 Boucke: 9:05 AM
214 Boucke: 10:10 AM
214 Boucke: 11:15 AM
Required Materials:
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Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 4 Edition, by Jessica Utts & Robert Heckard

The publisher offers several options including a 3-hole punch loose leaf, hard cover, and electronic
version. The Aplia code will only be needed for the electronic version. Instructor provides the code.
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Find the best deal which may include a rental copy or sharing a copy. Must be 4 edition.
International Version may have different problems.

Copies available in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) & Pattee Libraries
Iclicker (can use iclicker, iclicker+ and iclicker 2: (not web iclicker)

need to have your “iclicker” correctly registered on Angel and in good working order (including
good AAA batteries) by Wed Jan 23. A handout which will include both policy and procedures for
iclicker use will be available at a future date prior to Wed Jan 23.
TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA): will

oversee most computer labs

work with a team of graduate students who will hold shared office hours (25 hours/week).

answer questions about grade calculations & respond to email sent inside Angel
COURSE FORMAT:

Lectures (Mon and Wed)
1. PowerPoint slides: posted in advance by 5:00 PM on previous day - bring copy to lecture
2. On-line Lecture Quiz: posted to take after lecture prior to lab (does not count for a grade)

Computer Labs (Tues & Thurs): at scheduled time
1. Lab Activity handout posted in advance by 3:00 PM on previous day - bring copy to lab –
encouraged to work on it in advance - bring lecture notes
2. complete “lab activities” either individually or in small groups – submit on-line quiz
3. include both concept application and data analysis where statistical software package:
Minitab is used
COURSE CALENDAR & WEEKLY AGENDA:

Course Calendar: provides due dates for all exams, quizzes, and homework’s

Weekly Agenda: includes readings and homework’s for the week
COURSE WEB SITE (ANGEL): https://cms.psu.edu: On the Angel web site, you will find:

Course: Syllabus, Calendar, Weekly Agenda’s, Grade Book, & Exam Study Guides

Lab activity& Homework’s quizzes (also available at a later time for review)

Power point slides (bring to lectures) & Lab activity handouts (bring to lab)

Announcements & email correspondence (check Angel email daily during the week)
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COURSE OVERVIEW:
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.
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.
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. You are strongly encouraged to read
newspapers where you can see how statistics can be applied to every-day life.
COURSE GOALS: The two overarching goals are to:
1. explore the scientific method from a statistical perspective
being 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 use
to make good decisions
LEARNING GOALS: Be able to:
1. appropriately summarize data: both numerically and graphically
2. distinguish between population characteristics and sample information
3. understand the behavior of both distributions and sampling distributions
4. correctly apply procedures to make statistical inferences about population characteristics
5. identify the assumptions required for the validity of a statistical inference
6. recognize the strengths and limitations of both sampling methods and study designs
7. use computer software to find quantitative solutions when possible
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 need to:

accept that:
1. this is an in-residence course – don’t disappear for days/weeks expecting to make-up work
2. final grades will:
not be changed for purposes of maintaining financial aid and/or academic progress. (also not
curved or rounded) - based on mastery of material (not on attendance or negotiations)
3. individual extra credit will not be allowed
4. during class only use cell phones for emergencies (no constant texting)
5. lab activities and LAQ’s must be completed during scheduled time (prepare in advance)
6. all exams, including the final, must be taken at the scheduled time (can’t take early)
7. your iclicker must be: correctly registered & properly working (including new batteries)

use Angel:
1. with an acceptable browser and wired connection
2. to send email;

under the “Quick Message” option (no response to emails received outside Angel)

with polite and acceptable salutations and complete sentences
3. to regularly check:

the grade book right after making a submission (can’t report problems days/weeks later)

all posted materials and emails

come to class:
1. at the scheduled start time, prepared to learn, willing to make the appropriate
commitment, and being responsible for all provided information

seek immediate help if having problems

submit your own work – don’t just copy from other classmates

sign up for exams and follow rules when using the computerized testing center
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Exams: (4 exams will be given/no drops)

each will include 45 multiple choice questions

take at Computerized Testing Center on scheduled date & time - 60 minutes

some topics carry over from previous exams

provided a piece of scratch paper at exam (bring your own pencil) – nothing else allowed

must follow the testing center policies – failure to do so will results in a “0” for the exam - evidence
can come from witnesses and/or security cameras
Final Exam:

selectively comprehensive (about 55 questions) – 75 minutes

must take on scheduled date & time (posted on Elion - Mon Feb 11)

same rules and procedures should be followed as found with exams
Homework (HW): keep best 8 out of 9 scores*

questions will come from the textbook.

will be submitted inside Angel by a scheduled time and date (quiz format) – 30 minutes

can take twice (best score will count) – will be open on Thurs 12:30 PM – open for 39 hours

can’t submit late and no adjustments for computer problems
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): keep best 20 out of 23 scores*

taken inside Angel after completing each lab activity - 20 minutes

consist of about 20 questions based on concepts covered in lectures and activities

must take in 214 Boucke during scheduled lab time (one try)
Clicker Points:

total will updated three times during the semester

detailed handout of policy and procedures will be posted by Wed Jan 23

questions will also be placed in a practice lecture quiz which will be available after lecture
*Must check Angel grade book immediately after submission – not days later – Angel does not lose grades
Pretest: Thurs Jan 10 - Fri Jan 18 (except weekend)

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes (sign up in advance)

goal: acquaint you with the computerized testing center & provide instructor with background
information with regard to statistical topics

will receive 5 points extra credit for a complete submission (no-make-ups)
Posttest: Thurs April 25 & Fri April 26

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes

10 possible extra credit points ( one point for each correct answer)

provides adjustments to off-set policies found with a large enrollment course.
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

will be available for practice after all students have submitted

class will be held: Thurs March 28 and Mon April 1 (Easter Weekend)
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.
STAT SHARED OFFICE HOURS (SOH): at 7B Sparks

Times: TBA
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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
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’s and LAQ’s have already been adjusted to accommodate those who need additional time.
TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
Exams:
Exam 1: Fri Feb 1
Exam 2: Fri Feb 22
Exam 3: Fri Mar 22 Exam 4: Fri April 19
Final Exam (must take during scheduled time)
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ)** - keep best 20 of 23
Homework (HW)** - keep best 8 of 9
Clicker Scores (posted three times)
Total
Pts/Effort
115
Overall Pts
460
Overall Percent (%)
46%
170
10
15
?
170
200
120
50
1000
17%
20%
12%
5%
100%
FINAL GRADES:

based on 1000 points.

point ranges for final grades are found in Table 3.

do not expect the grades to be curved (also cannot negotiate your grade).

will not be rounded. 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. (Posttest adjusts for problems prior to the final
exam)
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
GRADES IN ANGEL GRADE BOOK:

based on points not percent’s ( select “grades” with Category under Repots)

will appear as a “0” until the grade is recorded
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Will only consider writing one for students who:
 get to know me through several interactions
 have final grade of at least a B
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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 (also relative risk, etc)
Chapter 5: Sections 5.2
Margin of error, polls, & corresponding confidence interval
Chapter 6: Sections 6.1-6.3
Design of “Randomized Experiments” &” Observational Studies”
Chapter 7: Sections 7.1- 7.2, 7.7
Probability Interpretation & 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 Procedures: larger than 2X2 tables
Chapter 16: Sections 16.1 & 16.2
One-Way ANOVA & briefly Two-Way ANOVA (no replication)
Page 502 in textbook
Nonparametrics
*Not all chapters will be covered in the order found in the textbook.
Course Disclaimer: The instructor will adhere to the provided course syllabus and calendar. However if
something unexpected happens, such as bad weather where the university closes, adjustments will be
made.
Entire Course Calendar will be available by Mon Jan 21
Course Calendar: Stat 200 Spring 2013: Sections 1- 3 (Through Exam 1)
Wk Date
Assignment
Wed Jan 2 – Sun Jan 6
Background Survey
1
Mon Jan 7
Introductory Lecture
1
Tues Jan 8
Data Survey (Complete – Meet Your TA)
1
Wed Jan 9
No Lecture – Do assigned readings on your own – take
Practice Lecture Quiz before lab on Thurs
1
Thurs Jan 10
Practice LAQ
1
Thurs Jan 10 – Fri Jan 18
PreTest (sign up to take at testing center)
2
Mon Jan 14
Lecture 1
2
Tues Jan 15
LAQ1
2
Wed Jan 16
Lecture 2
2
Thurs Jan 17
LAQ2 (HW1)
3
Mon Jan 21
MLK Day (No Class)
3
Tues Jan 22
LAQ3
3
Wed Jan 23
Lecture 3 (First Day Use Clickers)
3
Thurs Jan 24
LAQ4 (HW2)
4
Mon Jan 28
Lecture 4
4
Tues Jan 29
LAQ5
4
Wed Jan 30
Review
4
Thurs Jan 31
No Class: TA available during lab
4
Fri Feb 1
Exam 1 (snow make-up day Tues Feb 5)
Best wishes for much success with this course. I look forward to working with you. PQB
“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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