COURSE: JUST 3900
TIPS FOR APLIA
Chapter 1:
Introduction to Statistics
Developed By:
Ethan Cooper (Lead Tutor)
John Lohman
Michael Mattocks
Aubrey Urwick
Learning statistics is like learning a
foreign language: Make notecards to
help you learn your key terms
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Population (p. 5)
Sample (p. 6)
Variable (p. 6)
Parameter (p. 7)
Statistic (p. 7)
Descriptive Statistics (p. 8)
Inferential Statistics (p. 9)
Correlational Method (p. 13)
Experimental Method (p.16)
More Key Terms: Think Notecards
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Independent Variable (p. 16)
Dependent Variable (p. 16)
Control Condition (p. 16)
Experimental Condition (p. 16)
Nonexperimental Studies (p. 17)
Quasi-independent Variable (p. 18)
Constructs (p. 20)
Operational Definition (p. 20)
More Key Terms: Think Notecards
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Discrete Variable (p. 21)
Continuous Variable (p. 21)
Real limits (p. 22)
Nominal Scale (p. 23)
Ordinal Scale (p. 23)
Interval Scale (p. 25)
Ratio Scale (p. 25)
Order of Operations (p. 27)
Statistics, Population, and
Samples
1)
2)
If a researcher measures the number of text messages that
each individual high school student sends each day and
calculates the average number for the entire group of high
school students, the average number would be an example
of a ________. (see p. 11, #1)
A researcher is interested in how watching a reality TV
show featuring fashion models influences the eating
behavior of 13-year-old girls. (see p. 11, #2)
a)
b)
A group of 30 13-year-old girls is selected to participate in a research
study. The group of 30 13-year-old girls is an example of a
________.
In the same study, the amount of food eaten in one day is measured
for each girl and the researcher computes the average score for the
30 13-year-old girls. The average score is an example of a
_________.
Research Methods
1)
2)
Researchers have observed that high school students
who watched educational television programs as young
children tend to have higher grades than their peers
who did not watch educational television. Is this study
an example of an experiment? Why or why not? (see p.
19, #1)
What two elements are necessary for a research study
to be an experiment? (see p. 19, #2)
Research Methods
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Loftus and Palmer (1974) conducted an experiment in
which participants were shown a video of an automobile
accident. After the video, some participants were asked
to estimate the speed of the cars when they “smashed
into” each other. Others were asked to estimate the
speed when the cars “hit” each other. The “smashed
into” group produced significantly higher estimates than
the “hit” group. Identify the independent and dependent
variables for this study. (see p. 19, #3)
Variables and Measurement
1)
2)
3)
A survey asks people to identify their age, annual
income, and marital status (single, married, divorced,
etc.). For each of these three variables, identify the
scale of measurement that is used and identify whether
the variable is continuous or discrete. (see p. 26, #1)
An English professor uses letter grades (A, B, C, D, and
F) to evaluate a set of student essays. What kind of
scale is being used to measure the quality of the
essays? (see p. 26, #2)
The teacher in a communications class asks students to
identify their favorite reality television show. The
different television shows make up what kind of scale?
(see p. 26, #3)
Variables and Measurement
4)
5)
When measuring height to the nearest inch, what are
the real limits for a value of 68 inches? (see p. 26, #5a)
When measuring height to the nearest half inch, what
are the real limits for a value of 68 inches? ( see p. 26,
#5b)
Discrete or Continuous?
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Foot length
Height
Time
Number of students in JUST 3900
Weight
Number of siblings
Age
Discrete or Continuous?
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Foot length, height, weight, age, and time are all
continuous because they are not limited to a fixed set of
separate, individual categories. They can be divided into
an infinite number of fractional parts. It is always
possible to find a third point between any two points.
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Height and foot length, for instance, can be measured in meters,
centimeters, and even millimeters.
Time and age can be broken down into years, months, days,
hours, seconds, or milliseconds.
When two people say they each weigh 150 lbs., what they likely
mean is that they each weigh about 150 lbs. There are an
infinite number of possibilities between 149 lbs. and 150 lbs. and
150 lbs. and 151 lbs. that would more accurately describe their
respective weights.
Discrete or Continuous?
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The number of students enrolled in JUST 3900 and the
number of siblings one has are both discrete variables.
They consist of separate, indivisible categories.
Typically, discrete variables consist of whole, countable
numbers. No values exist in between.
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For instance, there may be 100 students enrolled in JUST 3900,
or one may have 7 siblings, but there cannot be 99.5 students or
7.5 siblings.
Order of Operations
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Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication/Division (in order from left to right)
Summation
Addition/Subtraction (in order from left to right)
Order of Operations
1)
Calculate each value requested for the following scores:
6,2,4,2. (see p. 30, #1a-e)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
2)
ΣX
ΣX2
(ΣX)2
Σ(X-2)
Σ(X-2)2
Identify the first step in each of the following
calculations. (see p. 30, #2a-c)
a)
b)
c)
ΣX2
(ΣX)2
Σ(X-2)2
Summation Notation
1)
Use summation notation to express each of the
following. (see p. 30, #3a-c)
a)
b)
c)
Add 4 points to each score and then add the resulting values.
Add the scores and then square the total.
Square each score, then add the squared values.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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How do I pass this class?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Read the chapters before lectures on Monday.
Complete Aplia tutorials/practice questions in preparation for
in-class exercises on Wednesday.
Finish in-class exercises Wednesday night (or at least by
Friday before class).
Come to tutoring on Thursday.
Review the answer key to the in-class exercises before
completing the graded portion of Aplia.
Never take a homework free holiday! (Towards the end of the
semester this will make more sense)
Do not wait until the last minute to complete Aplia!
Always bring slides to class and take notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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What should I expect on the tests?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Tests will consist of approximately 30-45 multiple choice
questions.
The final exam will consist of 60 or more multiple choice
questions.
The material covered on the test will include knowledge of
concepts, definitions, and formulas (know your terms).
Strictly speaking, the tests are not cumulative. Each exam will
only cover 3 chapters.
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e)
However, statistics is a course that builds on the foundation that was laid in
past chapters. If you do not understand chapters 1-3, you will not grasp
chapters 4-6. “A small error in the beginning leads to a large error in the
end.” Aristotle
Any tables required for the test (e.g., the tables in the
textbook’s appendices) will be provided by Dr. Kerbs.
What is it Really Like to be a
JUST3900 Student?
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Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs: FACT OR FICTION
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Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs is a demanding experience. FACT
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Dr. Kerbs does expect a great deal from his students -- he wants you to understand
and preferably master the course material. However, he provides you with every
resource to excel in his class: PowerPoint slides, in-class exercises with a detailed
explanation of each problem, a great text book, office hours, and tutoring services.
He gives you the tools to succeed in understanding and applying course content.
That said, you need to do your part as well: Read before each class, attend each
class and take notes, review your notes between classes, complete all homework
assignments, ask questions, and study for each test.
Getting extra help is difficult. FICTION
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Dr. Kerbs is very approachable on all levels. First, he wants students to ask
questions in class and during office hours. If you’re asking questions, it means that
you are trying to learn the material: This is a good thing! You can always expect that
Dr. Kerbs will take your questions and requests for help seriously, and he will always
treat you with respect and courtesy. Second, he holds office hours every week and
is available by appointment. He is known for diligently helping students because he
really does want you to succeed.