Course Syllabus
Statistical Concepts and Reasoning (3 cr.)
STAT
100/920
Mr. Chad T. Lower
M, W 6 – 9 p.m.
Williamsport CE
Summer 2 2012 : June 26 – August 7
Overview
This course will utilize real life case studies to examine, interpret and make decisions based
upon useful data. You will be a “consumer” of statistics by the end of the course. The focus in
this text is to understand the use of statistical methods in the real world rather than just
calculating statistical results.
Prerequisite: none
Disclaimers
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus can be changed at any time, and you will
be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes
in class and in writing.
Instructor Introduction
Biography
I have a Master’s of Science degree in Mathematics from Shippensburg University. Upon
completion of my degree, I taught at Ship as an adjunct for one semester. They offered me a
position for the next year, but I turned them down and joined Teach for America. While in TFA,
I taught in the Houston Independent School District for a summer, then in Detroit Public
schools for three years. While teaching high school math and social studies, I took courses at
Marygrove College to earn my Michigan Teacher’s Certification in Secondary Mathematics and
Chemistry. I then went on to teach math at West Virginia University as a GTA while taking
classes and working as a statistician for the CDC/NIOSH on mine safety data. While at WVU, I
took the PRAXIS for Mathematics: Content Knowledge, Chemistry: Content Knowledge, and
Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7 – 12 earning the ETS Recognition of
Excellence for all three tests. I applied and obtained my Teacher’s Certification in
Pennsylvania before obtaining a full-time position with the Pennsylvania College of
Technology, which brought me to the Williamsport area. In addition to teaching at Penn State, I
work as an Instructional Supervisor at The Keystone School and I also teach Motorcycle Safety
Classes through the PA Motorcycle Safety Program.
Beyond the academic, I enjoy reading and spending time with my wife and kiddos. I am an
avid blood donor and a member of Lifetree Church in Jersey Shore. Recently, I have become
the CubMaster for Pack 12 in Williamsport.
Contact Information
Email: chad.lower@zoho.com (emergency clower@keystonehighschool.com)
Phone: 570-322-5771
FAX: 570-320-2447
Home Phone: 570-322-1570 (emergency 570-394-5618)
Website:
Building & Room: Watertower Square Complex
Campus Address: 1020 Commerce Park Dr, STE 2B; Williamsport, PA 17701
Office Hours
M, W 5:30 – 6 p.m. Other times by appointment.
Extenuating Circumstances
My intention is to be at every class about 5–10 minutes early. On the rare occurrence that
class is cancelled, an email will be sent to you as soon as possible. I will also follow up with at
least one email to clarify what you should do in my absence and update any future
assignments if need be.
Chad T. Lower
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 2
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to statistical reasoning and
interpretation of data analysis. By the end of the course, students will be proficient with
statistical concepts, understand written reports based on statistical evidence, and become a
wise consumer of statistical based arguments.
Unit Objectives
1. Unit 1
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2. Unit 2
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
3. Unit 3
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Chad T. Lower
1 The Benefits and Risks of Using Statistics
3 Measurements, Mistakes, and Understanding
7 Summarizing and Displaying Measurement Data
8 Bell-Shaped Curves and Other Shapes
4 How to get a good sample
9 Plots, Graphs, and Pictures
12 Relationships Between Categorical Variables
13 Statistical Significance for
tables
10 Relationships Between Measurement Variables
11 Relationships Can Be Deceiving
16 Understanding Probability and Long-Term Expectations
18 When Intuition Differs from Relative Frequency
5 Experiments and Observational Studies
19 The Diversity of Samples from the Same Population
20 Estimating Proportions with Confidence
21 The Role of Confidence Intervals in Research
2 Reading the News
22 Rejecting Chance—Testing Hypothesis in Research
23 Hypothesis Testing—Examples and Case Studies
24 Significance, Importance, and Undetected Differences
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
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Course Materials
Required Texts
Utts, Jessica M. (2005) Seeing Through Statistics (3 ed.) Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage
Learning.
Recommended Materials
A three ring binder for notes and handouts, scientific calculator
ANGEL
This course utilizes ANGEL, Penn State’s online course management system. For information
on using ANGEL, please refer to:
http://www.berks.psu.edu/StudentServices/IT/ANGELabout.htm or at:
http://php.scripts.psu.edu/dept/iit/hbg/facultycenter/TeachResource/handout doc/Guide for
Students2006.pdf. The ANGEL website is located at http://cms.psu.edu
Hardware/Software Requirements
Operating System
Windows 2000, ME, or XP
Macintosh OS X (10.2 or higher)
Processor
500 MHz or higher
Memory
128 MB of RAM
Hard Drive Space
500 MB free disk space
Browser
Mac OS X: Firefox 1.0 or higher
Windows: Firefox 1.0 or higher
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be
configured to permit new windows from Penn State web sites.Due to nonstandard handling
of CSS, JavaScript and caching, we do not recommend using Internet Explorer 6 as your
browser.
Plug-ins
Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software
Microsoft Office, iWork, or Open Office
Internet Connection
broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer
graphics-capable printer
CD-ROM
required
Sound Card and Speakers
required
Monitor
15" monitor (1024 x 768 resolution)
Chad T. Lower
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 4
Academic Requirements
Expectations and Course Policies
Attendance: You are responsible both for all the material covered in class discussions as well
as for the readings. Frequent absences will negatively impact your performance. "A student
should attend every class for which the student is scheduled and should be held responsible
for all work covered in the courses taken." (See Policies and Rules for Students, Class
Attendance (42-27) on the PSU website at http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies)
Assignments: All assignments are due on the dates specified on the syllabus. The University
has careful policies about your rights and responsibilities in the case of emergency and illness.
Please, be familiar with them and do not try to abuse them.
Work outside the classroom is essential for student success. Homework will be collected at
four different times throughout the semester. Those times will be unannounced. The grade for
that homework will come from completeness and the correctness of a few selected problems.
The final project will be an ongoing work throughout the semester. The lectures will help
develop the project into a finished product by the last class. During the last class the projects
will be presented. More details on the project will be handed out in class.
Examinations: Conflict and makeup exams will only be given to those individuals with official
University sanctioned absences. You must give advance notice if possible. To be eligible for a
make-up, you must present a WRITTEN REQUEST, which outlines the reason for your
absence from the exam.
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate courses for
additional information about University grading policies.
Exam dates are listed on in the schedule, and cover the material from the last testing date. All
exams will be conducted during regularly scheduled class time. The final exam will cover all
information contained within the class.
Materials, content and exam format will be announced prior to each exam. The instructor
reserves the right to alter the exam format as deemed necessary.
Tests will be comprehensive on the chapters listed. On test day, you will need a pencil/pen,
calculator, and one 8.5”x11” sheet of paper with any notes you can fit on it. The final will be
open notebook.
Chad T. Lower
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
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Course Activities
Introduction
Units
Provide an outline of the course.
1. Unit 1: 1, 3 – 4, 7 – 8
2. Unit 2: 9 – 13
16, 18
3. Unit 3: 2, 5, 19 – 24
Finding Data in Life
Finding Life in Data
Understanding Uncertainty in Life
Making Judgments from Surveys and Experiments
Schedule
Day
1
Dates
6/26/2013
2
7/1/2013
3
7/3/2013
4
7/8/2013
5
6
7/10/2013
7/15/2013
7
7/17/2013
8
7/22/2013
9
7/23/2013
Chad T. Lower
Topics
Introduction to Class
Chapters 1 & 3
(1)The benefits and risks of using
statistics.
(3)Measurements, mistakes and
misunderstandings.
Chapters 7 & 8
(7)Summarizing and displaying
measurement data.
(8)Bell-shaped curves and other shapes.
Chapter 4
(4)How to get a good sample.
Test #1 Review
Test #1
Chapter 9, 12, & 13
(9)Plots, graphs, and pictures.
(12)Relationships between categorical
variables.
(13)Statistical significance for 2 x 2
tables.
Chapter 9, 10 & 11
(9)Plots, graphs, and pictures.
(10)Relationships between measurement
variables.
(11)Relationships can be deceiving.
Chapters 16 & 18,
(16)Understanding probability and longterm expectations.
(18)When intuition differs from relative
frequency.
Assignments Due
Read Chapters 1 & 4
Chapter 1–#2, 3, 5, 10, 12
Chapter 3–# 2, 3, 6, 8, 20
Read Chapters 7 & 8
Chapter 7–#2, 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, 19,
20
Chapter 8–#4, 6, 8, 12, 17, 18
Read Chapter 4
Chapter 4–#4ab, 8, 9, 17, 23
Study for test; bring questions
Study for Test, Create Notes Sheet
Read Chapters 9, 12, & 13
Chapter 9–1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12
Chapter 12–#3, 7, 15, 17
Chapter 13–#2, 6, 8, 11, 17
Read Chapters 9, 10, & 11
Chapter 9–1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12
Chapter 10–# 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12
Chapter 11–#3, 4, 7, 9, 10
Read Chapters 16 & 18
Chapter 16–#21, 22
Chapter 18–#10
Study for test; bring questions
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 6
10
11
12
7/29/2013
7/31/2013
8/5/2013
13
8/7/2013
14
FRIDAY
8/9/2013
Chad T. Lower
Test #2 Review
Test #2
Chapters 5, 19, 20, & 21
(5)Experiments and observational studies.
(19)The diversity of samples from the
same population
(20)Estimating proportions with
confidence.
(21)The role of confidence intervals in
research.
Chapters 2, 22, 23, & 24
(2)Reading the news.
(22)Rejecting chance-testing hypothesis in
research.
(23)Hypothesis testing –examples and
case studies.
(24)Significance, importance, and
undetected differences.
Study for Test, Create Notes Sheet
Read Chapters 5, 19, 20, & 21
Chapter 5–#2, 6, 9, 12, 15, 23
Chapter 19–#3, 10, 11
Chapter 20–#3, 4, 6, 11
Chapter 21–#3, 4, 6, 7, 13
Read Chapters 2, 22, 23, & 24
Chapter 2–#3, 4, 9, 16
Chapter 22–#2, 3, 4, 13, 14abc, 16
Chapter 23–#7, 10, 15
Chapter 24–#1, 3, 6, 11, 15
Study for Final
Create Notes Sheet
Final Exam
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 7
Acceptable Formats
Follow the procedure outlined below for completing your homework:
- Put your first and last name in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
- Include the chapter, section number, and page numbers in the upper right-hand corner
of the first page.
- Clearly identify each problem.
- Include the process or work for each problem, not just the answer.
- Use pencil or erasable pen.
- Skip spaces between problems and put no more than 2 problems wide.
- Use a ruler and graph paper for all graphs.
- Write legibly.
- Check your answers in the back of the text when possible.
- Have a system to mark incorrect problems or problems you have a question on so you
can study these problems.
All students are expected to complete work outside of class. On homework assignments you
are encouraged to work with other students or seek help, provided the final document is your
own work. Most daily assignments will consist of reading and doing some problems out of the
book.
Evaluations
Assignments
Point Value
Test #1
50
Test #2
50
Homework
50
Final Exam
50
*There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester
Final Grades will be assigned as follows:
Percent
Grade
Quality of Performance
93-100
A
Excellent
90-92.9
A87-89.9
B+
Good
83-86.9
B
80-82.9
B77-79.9
C+
70-76.9
C
Satisfactory
60-69.9
D
59.9 and below
F
Failure*
* To secure credit, course must be repeated.
Chad T. Lower
Exceptional Achievement
Extensive Achievement
Acceptable Achievement
Inadequate Achievement
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 8
Support and Questions
ANGEL
If you experience technical problems with ANGEL, call the Outreach Helpdesk at 800-2523592 or at (814) 865-0047 or contact them online by visiting their website at
http://tech.worldcampus.psu.edu
Hours of operation are: Monday – Friday, 8 am – midnight (EST) and Saturday – Sunday, 10
am – 7 pm (EST).
Penn State Policy Statements
Academic Integrity
Continuing Education is committed to maintaining academic integrity in this and all other
courses it offers. Continuing Education, the academic unit that is the home of each course, the
course instructor, and exam proctors take academic integrity matters seriously.
Students enrolled at Penn State via Continuing Education are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and
maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An
environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for self and others, and a civil
community.
For more information on academic integrity at Penn State, please see the Academic Integrity
Chart for specific college contact information or visit one of the following URLs:
http://www.psu.edu/dept/oue/aappm/G-9.html
http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/
PSU Academic Administrative Policies and Procedures
Please refer to this website for the most up-to-date information:
http://www.psu.edu/oue/aappm/
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified people with disabilities to participate
in its programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal
access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not
related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state
or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or
have questions about physical access, please tell me as soon as possible.
Please refer to this website for the most up-to-date information:
http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods/
Chad T. Lower
STAT 100 – Statistical Concepts and Reasoning
Page 9