Econ 201, Spring 2014
Statistical Methods
Instructor: Renatte K. Adler
Professor of Economics
E-Mail: radler@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: NH-316
Office Hours: Mon. 11:00 - 12:15;
Weds. 8:15 - 9:15 & 11:00 – 12:15
Wed.
Overview
Statistics is the science of learning from data. In your lifetime, you
will be bombarded with data and statistical information. Using
data effectively is a growing part of most professions. It is also
required to participate in society as a well-informed individual
following all forms of media. A solid understanding of statistics
enables you to make sound, data-based decisions in your career and
every-day life.
Goals
To form the habit of asking: “What do the data tell me?”
• Understand where data come from and how to organize and
analyze data sets in Excel.
• Every student must understand the meaning of AND be able to
easily use 3 concepts: “N” (population size or sample size, as
appropriate), mean and standard deviation. From the beginning to
end of the semester, these three measures will be used in a wide
variety of concepts and calculations.
Text
Business Statistics: Communicating
with Numbers by Jaggia & Kelly
Available at KB Books
(Chapters 1-14 only required)
Required. Signup online for
CONNECT (you can choose the
option without ebook), or
CONNECTPlus to include ebook
(the ebook is not required unless
you prefer having it.)
http://connect.mcgrawhill.com/class/r_adler_spring_mw
f_1000
FIREFOX is the recommended
Browser.
Tech Support 1-800-331-5094
• Use problems in the book and Connect assignments to practice
statistical methods. You learn statistics by doing statistics
problems.
• Use statistics to form conclusions based on analyzing the data.
Learn to ask questions and be critical of statistical results, rather
than simply accepting any statistics you see.
Requirements
Chapter readings will be assigned in-class and will be posted on
Blackboard. LearnSmart on Connect is highly suggested as a Study
Guide and Chapter Review tool.
Statistical Methods
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Evaluation
All homework and exams will be on-line. There are no make-ups
since students can complete assignments from any location.
Homework: There will be 4 homework assignments due
throughout the semester, including the last week of class. The
average of the four scores will count for 1/3 of your final grade.
There will be 4 follow-up Exams covering material on each
homework assignment. The average score for the exams will count
for 2/3 of your grade in Econ 201. Note: I will drop the lowest
score out of Exams 1, 2, 3 if this helps your final grade, but not
Exam 4. Everyone’s Exam 4 will be included in the final grade.
Final Grade Formula : Grade = .333*(Average for 4 Homeworks)
+ .666*(Average of top 2 exams from Exams 1,2,3 + Exam 4)
There is NO cumulative final but Exam 4 is on the last class day.
Important Guidelines for Grading:
• All class assignments will be curved based on class performance.
The grading scale is standard: 90% A, 80% B, 70% C, 60% D.
• Extra credit will be offered during the semester but will not be
offered for any reason after May 5.
• Failing grades are earned if students do not earn a score of least
60% for the final grade.
• Attendance: For all students, regular attendance shows
commitment that will result in a plus (+) grade at semester’s end.
• B- Contract: Students with no more than 4 unexcused absences
will receive at least a B- if their final score (see formula above) is at
least 68% and if there are no failing grades on any homework or
exam (no lower than 60%).
•From Disability Services: If you are a student with a disability and believe you
will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact
Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid delay, contact Student
Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are
not retroactive, and that instructors cannot provide accommodations until the
letter from Student Disability Services is given to your instructor. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
Statistical Methods
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