Statistics 311
Elements of Statistical Methods

Course Introduction

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the use of statistical methods. Course content covers statistical reasoning and an introduction to basic statistical terminology. The lessons emphasize understanding of the material through worked examples and the assignment of related problems.

The course starts out with a survey of methods for organizing, summarizing, and describing data. The summaries cover the graphical display of data, numerical descriptive statistics for data, and simple methods for describing relationships between two variables. Specific topics include: graphical displays for qualitative and quantitative data; calculation and interpretation of summary statistics, including the mean, median, mode, and 1st and 3rd quartiles; and, correlation and simple linear regression.

The course then moves on to statistical inference. You will be introduced to formal methods for drawing conclusions from properly collected data. The introduction of statistical inference starts with basic probability. A general understanding of probability and the idea of randomness are needed to study inference, since statistical inference involves using probability to describe uncertainty in conclusions that may be drawn based on a set of data. Specific topics include the addition and multiplication rule for events, an introduction to discrete and continuous random variables, and properties of sampling distributions. The course then moves on to introduce the reasoning of statistical inference including the ideas behind the formation of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The course concludes with some of the most common specific methods of inference. These include methods for making inference about means and proportions from one and two samples. Inference specific to simple linear regression, and the use of the chi-square statistic are also covered.

Organization and Content

This course covers chapters 1-10 of the Moore and McCabe text, as well as a number of optional topics, which are introduced in this study guide. There is one two-hour midterm (at Lesson Five) and a two-hour final exam (at Lesson Ten). Directions for taking the exams are given in these units. Each of the other units consists of a reading assignment, a self-graded quiz for which the answers are given in the appendix of this study guide, and a written assignment.

Reading Assignments

Since there are no lectures, you should do the reading carefully. This study guide will outline the main points of the reading and further explain any difficult topics. To avoid undue frustration, do all of the reading before attempting the self-graded quizzes and exercises. We will follow the text closely, and all written assignments are taken from it. I have chosen this text for the variety of examples it offers, and for its clear approach to many topics, particularly linear regression.

Assignments

Each assignment will have between 4 and 15 problems. You should submit all of them. If you have questions about a particular problem, you can make separate note and submit it along with the problems. There is a limit of four such requests per assignment.

Self-graded Quizzes

The self-graded quizzes are meant to build confidence and prepare you for the test; try to concentrate while taking them. The material they cover is good to review for exams, but is not necessarily what will be on the exams. Do not submit the self-graded quizzes with your assignment.

Project and Journal Response

I have assigned a project in Lesson Four that is due with Lesson Seven. As part of this project, you will need to simulate a random procedure. You should look for a simple way to do this that does not consume much time: it should not take more than an hour or two to collect and list the data.

When I return Lesson Seven to you, I will include an assigned journal response. The assignment will include a link to a newspaper article, which also will reference a journal article. The journal response requires that you read the newspaper and referenced journal articles, and then respond to a set of questions that will be included with the assignment. The journal response is due with Lesson Nine.

Examinations

There are two examinations, a midterm and a final. You should schedule each examination only after you have received your corrected assignments. See the Online Student Handbook for information about scheduling exams.

You must have submitted assignments 1 through 4 before taking the midterm and all assignments before taking the final exam. The final exam is cumulative; it covers everything in the course but emphasizes the material in chapters 7-10. You are not allowed to use your book on any of the exams. You may bring to the exams an 8½-by-11-inch page of notes (both sides), handwritten or typed.

Materials

You must have a calculator that computes roots and powers, and hopefully means and standard deviations. I have designed the tests in this course under the assumption that you have a calculator that can do these things. If your calculator has additional capabilities it will make some of the homework less tedious. If you intend to take further statistics courses (or use what you learn here) the calculator will continue to be useful. Your calculator's manual should explain how to use its statistical functions.

About the Online Environment

Your online course offers several advantages to the traditional classroom, including the comprehensive Online Student Handbook, the ability to communicate electronically with students and with your instructor, and links to a rich array of online resources.

Online Student Handbook

This handbook answers questions about your online learning course, such as how to purchase your text, schedule an exam, obtain a transcript, and get technical help if you need it. The handbook also provides additional resources, such as how to order books or journals from the library and how to study for an online course.

Communication with Your Instructor and Student Peers

• Online Discussion Forums, designed by the University of Washington award winning Catalyst team, allow you to communicate with other currently enrolled students and with your instructor. We encourage you to use the forum to exchange ideas, resources, and comments about your course work with other students in this course. This unstructured forum is monitored by your instructor.
• You can use e-mail to ask me a question or preferably post your question on the discussion forum. I will reply on the same forum.

Online Resources

As an online student, you have access to a wealth of Web resources compiled to provide fast, easy access to information that supports your online learning experience. Organized by subjects, Online Resources link you to sites with help for writing and research, study skills, language learning, and library reference materials. All links have been assessed for credibility and reliability, and they are regularly monitored to ensure their usability.

Deadlines

If you need to have your final course grade turned in to the registrar by a certain date, make sure to allow enough time. Have all the assignments in before you schedule your exams and allow two weeks after submitting the final exam for Distance Learning to process your grade.

Multiple Assignments

The following are the rules for submitting multiple assignments:

• For the first four units, I will accept only one assignment at a time.
• If you receive a 3.0 or better on the first four assignments and the midterm, you may turn in two assignments at a time.

Notes on Studying

It takes time to learn mathematics. According to the estimates for UW courses, it should take about 165 hours of work to complete a five-credit class. This course should take a similar amount of time. You will need to make a plan, set goals and start without delay. Begin by completing the planning calendar linked on your syllabus and submitting it to your instructor. The responsibility lies with you to manage your time. This will include budgeting time for not understanding a topic at first exposure. It often takes several attempts before a new idea really sinks in, even at the research level; it is perfectly natural. When reading the text, try to concentrate. You do not always have to work for three hours at a stretch, but attempt to put in quality time at regular intervals.

Many students fall into the habit of working backward from the answers in the back of the book; it is not surprising that tests intimidate these students. Try to work forward as much as possible. Take the time to attempt and re-attempt an elusive problem. When you penetrate it, the confidence you gain is very great. Incidentally, most students seem to find the material in Lessons Six, Seven, and Eight to be the most challenging, although there are exceptions.

Contacting Your Instructor

Please feel encouraged to contact me with any questions or comments regarding any materials associated with this course. I can be contacted by e-mail and voice mail, and I will make every effort to get back to you as soon as possible.

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