Course Expectations
MAT 118: Applied Statistics
Saint Joseph’s University Spring 2013
Section D03: Tuesday/Thursday 4:00-5:15
BL 221
Instructor:
Phone:
Office Hours:
e-mail:
Mr. Steve Peterson
484-868-3050
by appointment
speterso@sju.edu
Required Material:
An activation code for STATS PORTAL, which includes the electronic version (e-book) of The
Basic Practice of Statistics, 6th edition by David S. Moore. Aside from the e-book, STATS PORTAL
also includes tutorials, applets, simulations, datasets, and an online homework system. This
activation code is bundled with a loose leaf edition of the e-book and is available at the SJU
bookstore. Alternatively, if you do not want a loose leaf edition of the e-book, then you can
purchase an activation code at the Stats Portal website: http://courses.bfwpub.com/bps6e.php.
Please note however that the activation code will expire sometime after the end of the semester.
Hence, if you want to keep a book as statistics reference material for future purposes, then it might
be better to purchase the bundle so you have a hard copy as well as use of the e-book.
Technology:
Most statistical calculations are too long, tedious and time-consuming to do by hand for a moderate
to large data set. It is therefore preferable to use technology. In this course, we will use a statistics
software package such as SPSS which is available in our classroom and also in the computer labs on
campus. You will also need a scientific calculator for this course and are required to bring it to class
and have it with you for exams and quizzes.
Course Overview:
Statistical literacy is an essential skill that enables people to understand and make sensible decisions
based on the analysis of numerical information. Data and numerical arguments exist not only in all
areas of academic inquiry, but in everyday life. Therefore, it is important for all liberally educated
citizens to study the fundamental methods and principles of statistics, the science of collecting,
organizing and interpreting numerical data.
My approach to this course is based on the following principles:
1) Statistics is not number crunching. This course will focus on understanding statistical
concepts and on interpreting and communicating the results of a statistical analysis. You
will learn how to construct numerical arguments. The solution to a problem will not a
single numerical result or an exact answer, but rather an explanation that includes such
phrases as “there is strong evidence that..” and “the data suggest..”. We will use a
computer software package to do the numerical computations for us.
2) Statistics involves the use of real data sets. In this course we will analyze data from a
variety of applications with a strong emphasis in the social sciences. We will learn how to
place the data and its analysis in context.
3) Active learning is the key to success. Much of the class time will be spend working with
your classmates on data analysis activities, discussion and writing assignments. I will be
available for questions, suggestions and encouragement. To fully benefit from this
approach, you must come to class prepared.
4) Writing will be used to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of course content.
Through graded and non-graded reading responses, students will gain expertise in writing
about numerical information and its interpretation.
Learning Goals
After completing this course, the successful student will be able to:
 Explain how data is collected and collect her/his own data sets.
 Understand that the purpose of collecting and analyzing data is to answer questions and make
informed decisions.
 Effectively summarize data using graphical displays and interpret data and draw conclusions
based on graphical displays of data.
 Relate probability and uncertainty to real data sets.
 Explain clearly, both orally and in writing, how the results of statistical analysis relate to the
context from which they were obtained.
 Select the appropriate statistical methods to analyze a data set and use technology to obtain
the results.
 Think critically about data and conclusions drawn from it.
 Demonstrate the ability to use statistics and analyze data to answer questions and make
informed decisions about issues that arise in his/her everyday live.
Topics Covered:
The course will begin with an introduction to graphical and numerical descriptive statistics for data
sets for either one or two variables. Appropriate methods for collecting data will then be studied.
The second unit in the course will focus on probability distributions for simple experiments and
random variables and sampling distributions. The importance of probability as the theoretical basis
of statistics will be explored. The third unit will focus on inferential statistics, the branch of
statistics that allows us to draw conclusions about a population by sampling a small group.
Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for mean and proportion in the one sample case will be
studied. These topics are covered in Chapters 1 – 22 of your textbook. Note that some sections and
chapters may not be covered in their entirety.
Course Requirements and Grading:
There will be three in-class exams and a mandatory (cumulative) final during the regularly
scheduled finals week. Exact dates will be announced in class and posted on STATS PORTAL. In
addition, you will have graded homework assignments and data analysis project.
3 In class exams*
Final Examination
Homework
Partner Project
40%
25%
20%
15%
*I will drop the lowest of the three exam scores (excludes final exam) but will not allow make-ups or
retakes.
There will be no extra credit.
Letter grades will be determined as follows:
Grade
A
B+
BC
D+
F
Points
93-100
87-89
80-82
73-76
67-69
59 and
below
Grade
AB
C+
CD
Points
90-92
83-86
77-79
70-72
60-66
Homework:
Daily assignments consist of: readings from the textbook and exercises that apply the knowledge
you have acquired. The reading will either reinforce the material we discussed in class and/or
preview what we will be discussing next. You are expected to make a serious effort to read the book
and study the examples. It will probably not be enough to quickly read through the material once.
You should spend at least 50% of your out of class time on the reading. Remember to focus on the
process used in each study, often there will not be a single numeric answer but you will have to
write several sentences interpreting your findings. Solutions to the assigned exercises must be
submitted on-line using STATS PORTAL. You must submit your solutions by the specified date. NO
LATE ASSIGNMENTS will be accepted. Due dates will be announced in class and posted on
STATS PORTAL.
It is imperative that you thoroughly read the assigned reading for each class. We will be
discussing the material and using it in class to analyze data sets. I will not be using a
standard lecture format that involves writing all the notes on the board for you to copy.
While reading the textbook:
1) Take notes that describe the main ideas in each section
2) List new terminology and the corresponding definition. Give an example of what that term
means. Think about how you would use that term in a real life situation.
3) Have a pencil, calculator or computer handy so that you can work through all the examples.
Remember to take the time to understand the context (scenario) of each example.
4) Write down any questions you have or note any items that are unclear. Bring your questions to
class.
5) When you have finished, try to write a brief summary of the important ideas you have learned.
After completing the reading, try the exercises assigned from each chapter. There will an
opportunity in class to ask questions about these problems.
DOING HOMEWORK IS THE KEY TO LEARNING. You should plan to spend 2-3 hours
reviewing the material taught, reading course materials and completing written assignments
for each class.
Attendance Policy
You are expected to attend class and participate in the activities. Learning is best achieved by
asking questions. The more you participate in class discussions, even by raising issues for
which further clarification is desired, the more you will develop your reasoning skills. If it
is necessary to miss a class, please obtain the notes and assignments from another student.
You are allowed a maximum of 4 absences. For every unexcused absence over the limit, 5 points
will be deducted from your total grade point score. If you cannot attend class because of some
special circumstance (e.g. in case of illness or other emergency), please notify me by phone or by email.
Policy on Late Work:
You are expected to turn in your assignments and project on time. Points will be deducted for late
work. In addition, an assignment or project that is three days late will no longer be accepted. If
there is a special circumstance (e.g. illness or other emergency) that prevents you from submitting
your assignment or project on time, please notify me by phone or e-mail. In this case, at my
discretion I may offer you an extended deadline if you can provide some documentation for your
situation.
Student Responsibilities:
As a college student, you are required to be an active participant in the learning process. This
includes taking responsibility for doing the assignments, seeking out additional resources if you are
having any difficulty mastering the material, notifying the instructor of any other issues that may
interfere with your performance. You will be expected to take responsibility for keeping up with the
class. If you are having trouble, you should contact me as soon as possible, rather than assuming
that I will contact you.
Learning Resources:
Instructor: Please contact me to arrange for an appointment. Directly before or after class will
probably work best. Communication by e-mail is increasingly popular and effective.
Fellow students: Your peers are a wonderful source of learning resources. Join a study group. Ask
questions in the dorm. Find a study partner.
Services for Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented disability (learning, physical,
psychological) for which you are or may be requesting reasonable academic adjustments, you are
encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities, 113 Science Center, 610-660-1774 or
610-660-1620 as early as possible in the semester. If you suspect that you have an undiagnosed
disability (learning, physical, psychological), please contact Services for Students with Disabilities
to discuss this concern. Accommodations can only be provided to those students with current (3
years) documentation. All requests for reasonable academic adjustments such as extended time for
tests must be discussed with your professor at a minimum of one week prior to the date of each
exam.
Learning Resource Center: The Learning Resource Center (LRC) located in the Science Building
Room 303 provides a comprehensive program of services to support the academic needs of
University students and is committed to enhancing student achievement. The LRC provided
tutoring in virtually every discipline and offers workshops on improving study skills, time
management, note taking, preparing for exams, etc. It is important to discuss instructional needs
and accommodations with your professor early in the semester.
Class Etiquette:
All students should to be courteous and respectful to their fellow classmates and the instructor. This
implies
 Arriving at class promptly.
 Turning of any cell phones, pagers, CDs, or other electronic devices that could be distracting.
 Visiting the restroom before and after class, but not during class unless there is an emergency.
 Sharing any ideas, concerns, problems with the class.
 Not engaging in private conversations during class.
 Abiding by the University policy on academic honesty.
 Being an active learner, i.e., attending class, doing the homework and studying the material.
 Being prepared for class.
Academic Honesty:
I will adhere to the University’s Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the University Catalogue.
In particular, anyone found cheating, copying, offering and/or receiving unauthorized assistance on
quizzes or exams will be violating the University Academic Policy. The first violation of this policy
will result in a grade of zero on the applicable quiz or exam. A second violation will result in failure
of the course and notification of the violation to the University Discipline Committee.
Suggestions for Success:
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Attend class.
Participate in class discussions.
ASK questions when you need clarification.
Be prepared to spend 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour in class. This time should be spent
reading the textbook, reviewing class notes, working on problems and projects.
Keep up with the homework. DO NOT FALL BEHIND!
Do not leave all your studying for the last minute. Cramming is an ineffective way to study for a
test, and it also makes for poor long-term retention.
Do not get overconfident. It is easier to watch me do the problem on the board then it is to do it
yourself.
Talk to your instructor either during office hours, e-mail or discussion board.
Use the learning resources on campus.
Work together. Form a study group.
Get plenty of sleep the night before your exam.
Read carefully.
Write well.
Be positive. Have FUN!
Think!
Disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to make any changes he considers academically advisable. Changes will
be announced in class and posted on the class website. It is your responsibility to keep up with any
changed policies.
Students With Disabilities
For those who have or think that you may have a disability (learning, physical or
psychological), you are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities, Room
G10, Bellarmine, 610-660-1774 or 610-660-1620 as early as possible in the semester.
Reasonable accommodations can only be offered to students with current (within 3 years)
documentation of the disability and to the extent that such accommodation does not interfere
with the essential requirements of a particular course or program.
Once it is determined by the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (“Director”)
that a student qualifies for consideration for a reasonable accommodation, the Director will be
in touch with the student’s professors in whose courses such accommodation is being
requested to discuss the instructional essential requirements of the particular course and the
type of accommodation being sought by the student in connection with the course. With this
specific information related to the course and the documentation of the student’s disability,
the Director will determine what accommodation, if any, can be offered to the student.
In the event that a student does not initiate this process at the start of the semester or at the
start of his/her enrollment at Saint Joseph’s, but at some point during the academic year
wishes to request extended time to take examinations and/or an examination in a distraction
free environment, such requests must be discussed with the Director a minimum of two (2)
weeks prior to the scheduled date of the exam. In addition, all students requesting extended
time to take examinations in a distraction-free environment must complete the Extended-Time
Request Form, present it to the professor a minimum of one (1) week prior to the scheduled
date for signature and return the completed Form to the Office of Services for Students with
Disabilities three (3) days prior to the date of the examination. Failure to follow these
procedures could result in a denial of the request as untimely.
All other mid-semester requests for reasonable accommodation should be discussed with the
Director as soon as possible.
Accommodations Grievance Procedures for Students with Disabilities
The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities will seek to provide a reasonable
accommodation to qualified students with disabilities. However, there may be times when a
disagreement as to what is a reasonable accommodation or as to the nature of the reasonable
accommodation being provided will occur between the student and the University. The
student has a right to file a grievance for complaints regarding a requested or offered
reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability under Section 504 and the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
University policies.
If you have any questions contact Jim Scott, Director, Services for Students with Disabilities
– Bellarmine – Room G10 - 610-660-1774 or jscott@sju.edu