STATISTICS 200: SECTIONS 7- 9 (SPRING SEMESTER 2011)
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
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: Thurs 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 (Wed) & (Thurs)
Computer Labs (Mon &Fri))
Section 7
101 Thomas 10:10 AM
214 Boucke: 9:05 AM
Section 8
101 Thomas 10:10 AM
214 Boucke: 10:10 AM
Section 9
101 Thomas 10:10 AM
214 Boucke: 11:15 AM
*Check Course Calendar to see what is happening each day – class will be held if University is open even
during bad weather - Need to be available for all scheduled days. Weekly Agenda will also be posted
COURSE FORMAT:

Lectures (Wed and Thurs)
1. PowerPoint slides: posted in advance by 5:00 PM previous day - bring copy to lecture
2. On-line quiz will be posted to take after lecture

Computer Labs (Mon & Fri): at scheduled time
1. Lab Activity handout posted in advance by 5:00 PM previous day - bring copy to lab
2. Complete “lab activities” either individually or in small groups - them submit on-line quiz
3. will include both data analysis & concept illustration where often use the statistical
software package: Minitab
4. Be prepared to learn - bring lecture notes (review in-advance)
TEACHING ASSISTANTS (TA’s): will

hold office hours & oversee some computer labs

answer questions about grade calculations & respond to email sent inside Angel
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 (also can rent: 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
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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: Sections 7.2 & 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)
Probability Interpretation & Flawed Intuitive Judgments
Random variables, Binomial distribution, & Normal distribution
Sampling Distributions
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 (also available at a later time for review)

Study guides for exams (posted at least one week in advance)

Power point slides (bring to lectures) & Lab activity handouts (bring to lab)

Announcements & email correspondence (check Angel email daily during the week)

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:

Using Angel with an acceptable browser

anything discussed in class & posted on the ANGEL website

sending & replying all course email by only using the angel “Quick Message” option

coming to the class prepared to learn & finding enough time to make the appropriate commitment

seeking appropriate & timely help if having problems

accepting that final grades will not be changed for purposes of maintaining financial aid and/or
academic progress. (also grades will not be curved or rounded)

checking your grade on Angel as soon as you make a submission (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 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
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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
THE PENN STATE HONOR CODE: “A good name is earned by fair play, square dealing and good
sportsmanship in the classroom, on the athletic field and in all other college relations. We earnestly desire
that this spirit may become a tradition at Penn State.”
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.
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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: (4 exams will be given)

Best 2 out of 3 exams will count (when considering Exam 1 – Exam 3)

Exam 4 will not be optional

include (44-47) multiple choice questions

take at computerized testing center on scheduled date & time (8 AM – 11 PM) - 60 minutes

topics may carry over from previous exams

provided a piece of scratch paper at exam (bring your own pencil) – nothing else allowed
Final Exam:

selectively comprehensive (50-55 questions)

must take on scheduled date & time (posted on Elion - Mon Feb 14)

provided a piece of scratch paper with flow chart - (bring your own pencil) – nothing else allowed
Homework (HW): keep best 7 scores

will be submitted inside Angel by a scheduled time and date (quiz format) – 30 minutes

can take twice (best score will count)

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

check Angel Grade Book immediately after submit HW to see if grade was recorded
Lecture Quizzes (LQ): keep best 16 scores

will be posted on Angel after the lecture is given and have until next day at 4:00 AM to complete

consist of about 10 questions based on concepts covered in lecture

based on a key topics discussed in lecture (around 10 questions) – 20 minutes (one try)

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

check Angel Grade book immediately after submission to see if grade was recorded
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ): keep best 20 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)

No make-ups given under any circumstances because automated & have drops

check Angel Grade book immediately after to submission to see if grade was recorded
Pretest: Fri Jan 14 (8 AM to 11 PM)

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes (sign up in advance)

goals: acquaint you with the computerized testing center & provide instructor with background
information to be used in class

will receive 5 points extra credit for a complete submission
Posttest: Thurs April 28 (8 AM - 11 PM)

take at the Computerized Testing Center (104 Pollock) – 30 minutes

possible extra credit – score based on mastery of material

provides adjustments to off-set policies found with a large enrollment course.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Lab Activity Quizzes, Homework, & Lecture Quizzes:

no make-ups under any circumstance – the course front-loaded with generous drops

will be available for practice after all students have submitted
Exams:

If you have University-related excuse or religious conflict, you must provide appropriate
documentation prior to the exam so that arrangements can be made .Illnesses will be dealt on an
individual basis based. All exams will be available for practice after all students have submitted.
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TABLE 3: SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirement
Pts/Effort Overall Pts Overall Percent (%)
Exams1 - 3 (keep best 2 of 3)
130
260
26%

Fri Feb 4*, Fri Feb 25*, Fri Mar 25
Exam 4: Thurs Apr 21 or Fri Apr 22 (not optional)
130
130
13%
Final Exam
150
150
15%
12
240
24%
Lab Activity Quizzes (LAQ)** - keep best 20
20
140
14%
Homework (HW)** - keep best 7
5
80
8%
Lecture Quizzes (LQ)**- keep best 16
Total
1000
100%
*if PSU would cancel classes due to weather, the exam will be held the following Mon in lab
**no make-ups – does not matter what the reason because there are drops
FINAL GRADES: Final grades will be based on 1000 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 as points.
TABLE 4: POINT BOUNDARIES FOR FINAL GRADES*
Final Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
Minimum Points Needed
920 points
900 points
870 points
820 points
800 points
750 points
700 points
600 points
0 points
*You must achieve the listed point cut-off. No rounding will be used. For example, a point total of 919.99
will be assigned a grade of A- while a point total of 699.99 will be assigned a grade of D.
Settings for reading grades in Angel Gradebook under Reports
Select
“Grades”
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