STATISTICS 200: SECTION 102 (SUMMER SEMESTER 2013)
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
ROOM & TIME: 7 Life Sciences (9:35 – 10:50 AM) – class will start on time
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 4th Edition, by Jessica Utts & Robert Heckard

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. Find the best deal
which may include a rental copy or sharing a copy. Must be 4 th edition. No International Version.

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 May 15. A handout with the clicker policy will be posted.
Simple Calculator: for homework assignments & lab activity calculations – won’t need for exams
TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA): will hold office hours (TBA)
COURSE FORMAT: Most days will include a combination of:

Lectures (20-30 minutes) & Lab Activates (remaining 45-50 minutes)
1. PowerPoint slides: posted in advance by 7:30 PM previous day - bring copy to class
2. Lab Activity: posted in advance by 7:30 PM previous day – bring a copy to class
3. Complete Lab Activity Quiz (LAQ) before leave class
4. Lecture Quiz (LQ) after class – take to reinforce what was taught in class – do not count
for points
Note: You must attend the entire class in order to participate in the lab activities, including the quiz
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
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.
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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 CALENDAR & WEEKLY AGENDA:

Course Calendar: provides due dates for all exams, quizzes, & homework’s for entire semester

Weekly Agenda: includes readings & homework problems for individual week
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’s & readings)

Lab activity quizzes, lecture quizzes, & homework’s (also available at a later time for review)

Study guides for exams

Power point slides (bring to lectures) & Lab activity handouts (bring to lab)

Announcements & email correspondence (check Angel email daily during the week)
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. no use of cell phones during class
5. lab activities and LAQ’s must be completed during scheduled time (can 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

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 copy from other classmates or have them make submissions for you

sign up for exams and follow rules when using the computerized testing center

instructor does not answer questions about grade calculations by email
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 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. Times allocated for
homework’s, lab activity quizzes and lectures quizzes have already been adjusted to accommodate those
who need additional time.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Exams: (3 exams will be given) –all count

each will include 55 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*

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 at noon and remain open on until 8: 30 AM –
no extensions granted
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): keep best 21 out of 24 scores*

taken inside Angel after completing each lab activity - 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 55 questions) – 75 minutes

must take on Mon June 24

same rules and procedures should be followed as found with exams
Clicker Points:

total will reported three times during the semester

detailed handout of policy and procedures will be posted by Wed May 15
*Must check Angel Grade book immediately after submission to see if grade was recorded – not days later –
Angel does not lose grades
PreTest: take on your own after class on Mon May 13 (5 extra credit points for full completion)
Posttest: Fri June 21

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

make-ups will not be granted to students who are not regularly participating in the class
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.
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TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
Exams
Exam 1: Fri May 24
Exam 2: Fri June 7
Exam 3: Tues June 18
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ)** - keep best 21 of 24*
Clicker Points (posted three times)
Homework (HW)** - keep best 8 of 9
Final
Total
*Must attend entire class in order to participate
**No Make-ups
Pts/Effort
130
15
15
15
130
Overall Pts
390
Overall Percent (%)
39%
315
45
120
130
1000
31.5%
4. 5%
12%
13%
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.

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, & 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 test: Population Correlation (link to Population Slope test)
Chapter 15: Sections 15.1 & 15.2
Chi-square Procedures: larger than 2X2 tables
*Not all chapters will be covered in the order found in the textbook.
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Stat 200 Section 102: Summer 2013 (Course Calendar)
Wk
1
1
Day
Mon May 13
Tues May 14
1
Wed May 15
1
Thurs May 16
1
Fri May 17
HW 1 submit by 8:30 AM
Mon May 20
Lecture 4 (clicker 3) &
Lab Activity 4 & LAQ4
Lecture 5 (clicker 4) &
Lab Activity 5 & LAQ5
HW 2 submit by 8:30 AM
2
Tues May 21
2
Wed May 22
2
Thurs May 23
2
3
3
Fri May 24
Mon May 27
Tues May 28
3
Wed May 29
3
Thurs May 30
3
Fri May 31
4
Mon June 3
4
Tues June 4
4
Wed June 5
4
Thurs June 6
4
5
Fri June 7
Mon June 10
5
Tues June 11
5
Wed June 12
5
Thurs June 13
5
Fri June 14
Item
Intro Lecture (take PreTest)
Lecture 1
Lab Activity 1 & LAQ1
Lecture 2 (clicker 1) &
Lab Activity 2 & LAQ2
Lecture 3 (clicker 2) &
Lab Activity 3 & LAQ3
Lecture 6 (clicker 5) &
Lab Activity 6 & LAQ6
Lecture 7 (clicker 6) &
Lab Activity 7 & LAQ7
HW 3 submit by 8:30 AM
Lab Activity 8 & LAQ8
Exam 1
No Class
Lecture 8 (clicker 7) &
Lab Activity 9 & LAQ9
Lecture 9 (clicker 8) &
Lab Activity 10 & LAQ10
HW 4 submit by 8:30 AM
Lecture 10 (clicker 9) &
Lab Activity 11 & LAQ11
Lecture 11 (clicker 10) &
Lab Activity 12 & LAQ12
HW 5 submit by 8:30 AM
Lecture 12 (clicker 11) &
Lab Activity 13 & LAQ13
Lecture 13 (clicker 12) &
Lab Activity 14 & LAQ14
Lecture 14 (clicker 13) &
Lab Activity 15 & LAQ15
HW 6 submit by 8:30 AM
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 8:30 AM
Lecture 17 (clicker 16) &
Lab Activity 19 & LAQ19
Lecture 18 (clicker 17) &
Lab Activity 20 & LAQ20
Lab Activity 21 & LAQ21
Continued:
5
Mon June 17
HW8 submit by 8:30 AM
6
Tues June 18
Lecture 19 (clicker 18) &
Lab Activity 22 & LAQ22
Exam 3
6
Wed June 19
6
Thurs June 20
6
7
Fri June 21
Mon June 24
6
Lecture 20 (clicker 19) &
Lab Activity 23 & LAQ23
Lecture 21 (clicker 20)
HW9 submit by 8:30 AM
Lab Activity 24 & LAQ24
Post Test (pull things together)
Final Exam (Selectively
comprehensive):
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