AP STATISTICS
EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING POLICY
The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce you to the major concepts and tools for
collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. You will be exposed to four broad conceptual
themes.
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Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns.
Exploratory analysis of data makes use of graphical and numerical techniques to study
patterns and departures from patterns. Emphasis is placed on interpreting information from
graphical and numerical displays and summaries.
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Planning a Study: Deciding what and how to measure.
Data must be collected according to a well-developed plan if valid information on a
conjecture is to be obtained. This plan includes clarifying the question and deciding upon a
method of data collection and analysis.
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Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability theory and simulation.
Probability is the tool used for anticipating what the distribution of data should look like
under a given model.
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Statistical Inference: Confirming models.
Statistical inference guides the selection of appropriate models.
This course will use of a variety of learning activities in order to help you understand the four major
themes. These activities will include:
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Discussion, lecture, and guided practice.
Group work and presentations.
Calculator (TI-83, TI-84, Prizm or equivalent) and computer aided (Fathom) explorations.
In-class and out-of-class written assignments, reflective writing, and projects.
Reading textbooks and other materials.
You will be prepared for the AP Statistics Examination, held on May 16, 2012. The examination is three
hours and consists of a multiple-choice section and a free response section. You are expected to have a
graphing calculator with statistical ability, such as the TI-83.
Required Textbook: Peck, Roxy, Chris Olsen, and Jay Devore. Introduction to Statistics & Data
Analysis. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2005 (2nd Edition).
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AP® Statistics
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EVALUATION
For each semester your grade will be determined as follows:
(10%) Homework:
Written assignments will be assigned daily in the form of exercises from the
book, the board, or handouts. All work must be shown. Late assignments will not be accepted
after the chapter test. Points will be assigned as follows. Homework assignments are to be done
on loose-leaf paper, properly labeled, and kept in your three ring binder. I will check homework
using a variety of methods. These include:
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Walking around the room and checking your assignment for completion.
Collecting your homework and checking for completion.
Collecting your homework and grading certain problems.
Homework Quizzes
Reading Quizzes
In general, I will use the scale below for homework, unless I collect the homework and grade
certain problems.
100% complete
More than 50% complete
Less than 50 % complete
5points
3 points
0 points
(70%) Quizzes, AP practice problems, & Tests: You should expect in class quizzes regularly.
Quizzes may or may not be announced ahead of time. The purpose of a quiz is to make sure that
you have understood the basic ideas before the next topic is introduced. Assignments or in-class
activities may be included as a quiz grade. Tests are given at the end of each unit, so plan
accordingly. The purpose of a test is to make certain that you understand the major objectives
presented in the class. Tests will be in a variety of forms. Test formats may include written, oral,
multiple-choice, essay questions, individual, pair, or group effort.
(20%) Final Exam At the end of each first semester a final cumulative exam is given covering the
entire semester's material. The second semester exam will be a cumulative exam over the entire
year. Each exam will consist of written and multiple-choice questions.
Semester grades will be assigned on the following scale
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
A
B
C
D
0% - 59%
F
Please note: Due to the Parent Portal Technology, grades are calculated using
a 40%-40%-20% scheme. Thus, the grades posted are accurate only during
the 1st quarter and the 3rd quarter.
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AP® Statistics
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TOPICOUTLINE
Following is an outline of the major topics covered by the AP Statistics Exam. The
ordering here is intended to define the scope of the course but not necessarily the
sequence. The percentages in parentheses for each content area indicate the coverage
for that content area in the exam.
I.
Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns (20% –30%)
Exploratory analysis of data makes use of graphical and numerical techniques to
study patterns and departures from patterns. Emphasis should be placed on
interpreting information from graphical and numerical displays and summaries.
A. Constructing and interpreting graphical displays of distributions of
univariate data (dotplot, stemplot, histogram, cumulative frequency plot)
1. Center and spread
2. Clusters and gaps
3. Outliers and other unusual features
4. Shape
B. Summarizing distributions of univariate data
1. Measuring center: median, mean
2. Measuring spread: range, interquartile range, standard deviation
3. Measuring position: quartiles, percentiles, standardized scores (z-scores)
4. Using boxplots
5. The effect of changing units on summary measures
C. Comparing distributions of univariate data (dotplots, back-to-back stemplots,
parallel boxplots)
1. Comparing center and spread: within group, between group variation
2. Comparing clusters and gaps
3. Comparing outliers and other unusual features
4. Comparing shapes
D. Exploring bivariate data
1. Analyzing patterns in scatterplots
2. Correlation and linearity
3. Least-squares regression line
4. Residual plots, outliers, and influential points
5. Transformations to achieve linearity: logarithmic and power transformations
E. Exploring categorical data
1. Frequency tables and bar charts
2. Marginal and joint frequencies for two-way tables
3. Conditional relative frequencies and association
4. Comparing distributions using bar charts
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II.
Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study (10% –15%)
Data must be collected according to a well-developed plan if valid information on a
conjecture is to be obtained. This plan includes clarifying the question and deciding
upon a method of data collection and analysis.
A. Overview of methods of data collection
1. Census
2. Sample survey
3. Experiment
4. Observational study
B. Planning and conducting surveys
1. Characteristics of a well-designed and well-conducted survey
2. Populations, samples, and random selection
3. Sources of bias in sampling and surveys
4. Sampling methods, including simple random sampling, stratified random
sampling, and cluster sampling
C. Planning and conducting experiments
1. Characteristics of a well-designed and well-conducted experiment
2. Treatments, control groups, experimental units, random assignments,
and replication
3. Sources of bias and confounding, including placebo effect and blinding
4. Completely randomized design
5. Randomized block design, including matched pairs design
D. Generalizability of results and types of conclusions that can be drawn from
observational studies, experiments, and surveys
III.
Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and
simulation (20% –30%)
Probability is the tool used for anticipating what the distribution of data should
look like under a given model.
A. Probability
1. Interpreting probability, including long-run relative
frequency interpretation
2. “Law of Large Numbers” concept
3. Addition rule, multiplication rule, conditional probability,
and independence
4. Discrete random variables and their probability distributions, including
binomial and geometric
5. Simulation of random behavior and probability distributions
6. Mean (expected value) and standard deviation of a random variable, and
linear transformation of a random variable
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B. Combining independent random variables
1. Notion of independence versus dependence
2. Mean and standard deviation for sums and differences of independent
random variables
C. The normal distribution
1. Properties of the normal distribution
2. Using tables of the normal distribution
3. The normal distribution as a model for measurements
D. Sampling distributions
1. Sampling distribution of a sample proportion
2. Sampling distribution of a sample mean
3. Central Limit Theorem
4. Sampling distribution of a difference between two independent
sample proportions
5. Sampling distribution of a difference between two independent
sample means
6. Simulation of sampling distributions
7. t-distribution
8. Chi-square distribution
IV.
Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing
hypotheses (30% –40%)
Statistical inference guides the selection of appropriate models.
A. Estimation (point estimators and confidence intervals)
1. Estimating population parameters and margins of error
2. Properties of point estimators, including unbiasedness and variability
3. Logic of confidence intervals, meaning of confidence level and confidence
intervals, and properties of confidence intervals
4. Large sample confidence interval for a proportion
5. Large sample confidence interval for a difference between two proportions
6. Confidence interval for a mean
7. Confidence interval for a difference between two means (unpaired
and paired)
8. Confidence interval for the slope of a least-squares regression line
B. Tests of significance
1. Logic of significance testing, null and alternative hypotheses; p-values;
one- and two-sided tests; concepts of Type I and Type II errors; concept
of power
2. Large sample test for a proportion
3. Large sample test for a difference between two proportions
4. Test for a mean
5. Test for a difference between two means (unpaired and paired)
6. Chi-square test for goodness of fit, homogeneity of proportions, and
independence (one- and two-way tables)
7. Test for the slope of a least-squares regression line
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AP® Statistics
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THE EXAM
The AP Statistics Exam is three hours long and seeks to determine how well a
student has mastered the concepts and techniques of the subject matter of the course.
This paper-and-pencil exam consists of (1) a 90-minute multiple-choice section testing
proficiency in a wide variety of topics, and (2) a 90-minute free-response section
requiring the student to answer open-ended questions and to complete an
investigative task involving more extended reasoning. In the determination of the
grade for the exam, the two sections will be given equal weight. Each student will be
expected to bring a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities to the exam. The
expected computational and graphic features for these calculators are described in
an earlier section. Minicomputers, pocket organizers, electronic writing pads
(e.g., Newton), and calculators with QWERTY (i.e., typewriter) keyboards will not be
allowed. Calculator memories will not be cleared. However, calculator memories may
be used only for storing programs, not for storing notes. During the exam, students
are not permitted to have access to any information in their graphing calculators or
elsewhere that is not directly related to upgrading the statistical functionality of older
graphing calculators to make them comparable to statistical features found on newer
models. Acceptable upgrades include improving the calculator’s computational
functionalities and/or graphical functionalities for data that students key into the
calculator while taking the exam. Unacceptable enhancements include, but are not
limited to, keying or scanning text or response templates into the calculator. Students
attempting to augment the capabilities of their graphing calculators in any way other
than for the purpose of upgrading features as described above will be considered to
be cheating on the exam. A student may bring up to two calculators to the exam.
Grading of Exam Information.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: 40 Questions
FREE RESPONSE: 6 Questions (5 + Investigative Task)
Each question is graded out of four points. Then, your score on questions 1 – 5 is multiplied by
1.8750 and your score on question 6 (Investigative Task) is multiplied by 3.1250.
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AP® Statistics
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AP STATISTICS --- COURSE SYLLABUS
SECTION I : OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
1. Course sequence leading to AP Statistics
Mathematics 03440 – Advanced Placement Statistics is a full-year (two semester) course offered
each year to students in grades 10 through 12. It is not available as a summer course.
Some students will take this course concurrently with Advanced Placement Calculus AB,
Advanced Placement Calculus BC, and/or Advanced Placement Computer Science. A few
students take the course concurrently with Pre-Calculus Honors, Pre-Calculus, or Algebra II
Honors. Students who take Pre-calculus as sophomores generally take Calculus in the junior
year and Statistics in the senior year. Students who take Pre-calculus in the junior year generally
select either Calculus or Statistics or both.
2. Student selection process and/or prerequisites
The prerequisite for the course is Algebra 2 with Trigonometry (A or B+) or Pre-calculus at
either the regular or honors level. A recommendation from the teacher of the prerequisite course
is required.
3. Course Design
The course has a traditional 50 minute period meeting daily.
Description:
Advanced Placement Statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for
collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. It will emphasize sound statistical
thinking rather than routine procedures. This course is intended to be equivalent to an
introductory non-calculus based college course in statistics. Students will do a significant amount
of reading, computer work, and independent projects. A graphing calculator with advanced
statistics capabilities is required in this course.
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AP® Statistics
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SECTION II : COURSE MATERIALS
1. Primary Materials
Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, Peck, Olsen, Devore, Duxbury
Instructor’s Resource Binder for Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, Olsen, Duxbury
2. Supplementary Materials and Additional Resources
The Practice of Statistics,TI-83 Graphing Calculator Enhanced, Yates, Moore, and McCabe,
Freeman
Teacher’s Resource Binder for The Practice of Statistics, TI-83 Graphing Calculator Enhanced,
Yates, Freeman
Instructor’s Solutions Manual for The Practice of Statistics, TI-83 Graphing Calculator
Enhanced, Yates, Freeman
Activity-Based Statistics, Scheaffer, Gnananadesikan, Watkins, Witmer, Springer
Workshop Statistics, Discovery with Data and the Graphing Calculator, Second Edition,
Rossman, Chance, Von Oehsen, Key Curriculum Press
Fathom, Dynamic Statistics Software – for Deeper Understanding, Key Curriculum Press
Data in Depth, Exploring Mathematics with Fathom, Erickson, Key Curriculum Press
Stats, Modeling the World, Bock, Velleman, DeVeaux, Pearson
Statistics in Action, Watkins, Scheaffer, Cobb, Key Curriculum
Amsco’s AP Statistics, Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination, Bohan, Amsco
Barron’s How to Prepare for the AP Statistics Advanced Placement Examination, Sternstein,
Barron’s Educational Series
The Best Test Preparation for AP Statistics, Levine-Wissing and Thiel, REA
TI-83 Enhanced Statistics, Second Edition, Barton, Diehl, Venture
Against All Odds: Inside Statistics video series, Annenberg/CPB
Advanced Placement Program Course Description Statistics, The College Board
Teacher’s Guide AP Statistics, The College Board
AP Statistics examination free response questions from 1997 to present
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AP® Statistics
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SECTION III : COURSE OUTLINE
1. Main Outline
Introduction to the discipline of statistics (2 days) (Chapter One)
Theme 2: Planning a study
Chapter 2: Samples and experiments (about 11 days)
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Observational study versus experiments, census, survey
Simple Random Samples (Activity: Random Rectangle Problem),
Stratification (Activity: River Problem) Clustering
Experimental design – Principles of design including Blocking
Simulation using the Random Digit table, Calculator, and Fathom
AP Questions on Design (Shampoo Problem), Sampling, Blocking, and
random digit table (Radio Give away)
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Theme 1A: Univariate Data
Chapter 3: Data and graphical displays (about 5 days)
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Data and distributions
Graphs: stemplots, dotplots, histograms, boxplots
Features: shape, center, spread, outliers
Activity: Random Rectangle Problem Revisited
Chapter 4: Data and numerical methods (about 10 days)
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Data and distributions
Numerical summaries: mean, mean, variance, standard deviation,
inter-quartile range, effects of transformations
Features: shape, center, spread, outliers
AP Practice Problems
range,
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
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AP® Statistics
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Theme 1B: Bivariate Data
Chapter 5.1- 3: Linear association (about 10 days)
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Scatterplots
Correlation
Least-squares linear regression
Activity: Estimate the age
Chapter 5.4: Nonlinear Association (about 5 days)
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Transformations for regression
Categorical data
Activity: Tack Toss, Amscobe Data
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Theme 3A: Probability
Chapter 6: Probability (about 11 days)
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Sample spaces, events, outcomes
Sum and product formulas
Disjoint and independent events
Conditional Probability
Activity: AP Questions for Practice:
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Chapter 7: Random variables (about 15 days)
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Discrete random variables
Continuous random variables
Mean and variance
Mean and variance for transformations, sums, and differences
Geometric distribution
Binomial distribution
Standard normal distribution, z-scores
Table and calculator computations
Normal approximations for binomial distributions
Activity: Expected value of Roulette, Cereal Box Problem
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
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AP® Statistics
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Theme 3B: Probability to inference
Chapter 8: Sampling distributions (about 7 days)
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Sampling distributions for means
Sampling distributions for proportions
Central limit theorem
Activity: Penny Lab, Fathom lab, Calculator Activity on means
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Semester Examination on units 1 – 8
Theme 4: Inference
Chapter 9: Introduction to inference (about 9 days)
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Point estimates
Confidence intervals
Constructing intervals for a proportion
Constructing intervals for a mean
Activity: Penny Lab Revisited, M&M Lab, Spinning Pennies
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AP Practice Problem (Newton Problem)
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Chapter 10: Hypothesis tests for a single sample (about 14 days)
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Hypothesis tests
T-distributions
Errors and power
Hypothesis test for a proportion
Hypothesis test for a mean
Activity: Fathom Demo & Applet investigation on Power
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AP® Statistics
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Chapter 11: Inference for two samples or treatments (about 12 days)
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Confidence interval for two proportions
Confidence interval for two means
Confidence interval for one mean, matched pair samples
Hypothesis test for one mean, matched pair samples
Hypothesis test for two means
Hypothesis test for two proportions
Activity: Hand Strength (Matched Pairs Test)
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Chapter 12: Chi-square (about 10 days)
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Chi-square distribution
Goodness of fit
Test for independence
Test for homogeneity
Activity: M & M Data Revisited, Rolling Dice, AP Problem (Skunk Problem and
Hiker Problem)
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
Chapter 14: Inference for slope (about 9 days)
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Confidence interval for slope
Hypothesis test for slope and correlation
Computer output
Activity: AP Practice Problem
Assessment: Quiz and Test on Unit, homework graded on completion. AP
Question collected and grades.
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AP® Statistics
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Advanced Placement examination preparation (about 12 days)
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Review of topics by theme
Review problems by theme
Final examination as practice AP exam
Exploratory Analysis Sampling &
Experimentation
Probability
Inference
Univarite
2006B #1
2005 #1
2005B #1
2004 #1
2004B#5
2006B #3
2005 #2
2005B #2
2005B #6
2004 #1
2004 #3
2004 #4
2004B #3
2006B #2
2006B #4
2006B #6
2005 #4
2005 #6
2005B #4
2005B #5
2004 #5
2004 #6
2004B #4
2004B #5
2004B #6
bivariate
2005 #3
2005B #5
2004B #1
2006B #5
2005 #5
2005B #3
2005B #6
2004 #2
2004 #3
2004B #2
Final Project
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Topic is open
Students work in pairs
Written report required
Presentation required
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SECTION IV : TEACHING STRATEGIES
1. Pedagogy
The Advanced Placement Statistics Curriculum promotes the exploration of topics in
depth with different learning opportunities. There are many choices available including textbook
activities, supplementary activities, calculator explorations, software for learning statistics, and
projects. This requires constant decisions about time management and which opportunities to
include.
There is an expectation that students will read regularly. Generally students are given
three days to read a section and work exercises. For most sections, discussion of concepts takes
place for two days, and discussion of exercises for one day. An activity from the text or a
supplement is used for each unit. For most units, an exploration using laptop computers is
included.
Calculators are used regularly. Most students use a TI-83 or TI-84 plus model. Some use
a TI-86 or TI-89. The 86 and 89 require an extra download to enhance the software. Fathom
software is used for demonstration or laboratory explorations.
About 11 days are devoted to exam preparation. Topics are reviewed and students work
problems from prior exams.
2. Assessment
Students write a test on each unit. There are usually four in each quarter. There are one
or two quizzes per chapter depending on the number of sections. Assignments are checked for
completion and effort. Assignments and class participation together are worth 10% of the quarter
grade and assessments are worth 70% of the grade. A semester examination is given. Each
examination is worth 20% of the semester grade.
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