MATH 1342 - STATISTICAL METHODS

Purpose - To provide a transferable course in the basic elements of statistical methods.

Prerequisite:  Math 1314 or Math 1324

Textbook & Supplies - Elementary Statistics: A Brief Version, 4th edition, by Al Bluman; scientific calculator (TI 83 is recommended)

Instructor:  S. Robinson                            Phone:  885.3048, ext 4684

Office:  Reese Center, #318F                    email:  srobinson@southplainscollege.edu

Website:  www.southplainscollege.edu/math/robinson

Attendance - Regular attendance is essential for successful completion of the course.  There is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences, so there is no need to bring any type of note documenting your absence.  If a student has 2 consecutive weeks of absences, or any 5 absences, you will be dropped from the course with a grade of X.   If a student has no more than 2 absences and is satisfied with his/her course average at the end of the semester, then he/she is not required to take the final exam.

Assignment Policy - Homework will be assigned each class meeting and will be reviewed at the next class meeting.  Completion of homework assignments is necessary in order to be adequately prepared for exams.  Selected assignments will be taken up and graded.  These graded assignments will be due on the day of each major exam.

Exams and Quizzes - There will be four major exams, four graded homework sets, and a cumulative final exam.  No make-ups will be given on exams or assignments.  If a major exam is missed, you will receive a grade of 0 for the missed exam.  If the final exam is higher than the lowest major exam, the lowest major exam grade will be dropped and the final exam will be counted twice.  If the final exam grade is the lowest grade, it will NOT be dropped.  The day and time of the final exam are posted on the course outline;  you MUST take your final exam at this time.  Any student arriving more than 10 minutes late for a major exam or final exam will NOT be allowed to take the exam.  The average of the graded homework assignments will count as one major exam grade.  There are no "extra credit" points given in this class.  Your grade is based ONLY on your exams and quizzes.  Please do not ask me to give you any extra credit or "bump" your grade.

Please do not bring any of the following items on exam days:  cell phones, PDA's, cameras, backpacks, textbooks, ink pens, or extra paper.

Grade Determination - Grades will be averaged according to the following formula: 

(Ex. 1 + Ex. 2 + Ex. 3 + Ex. 4 + Homework Average + Final Exam) ÷ 6 = Course Grade


 

Grading Standards - The grading scale will be as follows: 

90 – 100

=

A

80 – 89

=

B

70 – 79

=

C

60 – 69

=

D

Below 60

=

F

 

 

 

Dropping the Course - The last day to drop is November 24, 2009.  If you drop on or before this date you will receive a grade of W.

Disabilities - Students with disabilities including but not limited to physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made.  In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his or her disability to the Coordinator or Special Services.  For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in Bldg.8, rooms 809 and 811 at Reese Center or phone 885-3048, ext. 4654.

Course Objectives - Upon completion of this course and receiving a passing grade, the student will demonstrate mastery of the following concepts:

  1. Represent raw data using various tables and graphs.

  2. Calculate measures of central tendency, variation, and position for both grouped and ungrouped data and interpret in writing the significance and meaning of the calculations.

  3. Calculate coefficients of variation and skewness and interpret in writing the significance of the calculations.

  4. Calculate classical and empirical probabilities.

  5. Apply binomial and normal distribution properties to calculate probabilities and interpret in writing the significance of the calculations.

  6. Calculate mean, variance, and standard deviations of probability distributions and interpret in writing the significance of the calculations.

  7. Evaluate a hypothesis-testing situation to determine the appropriate test to be used.

  8. Use parametric and non-parametric tests for hypothesis testing and interpret in writing the significance of test results.

  9. Calculate coefficients of correlation, determination, and non-determination and interpret in writing the significance of the calculations.

  10. Calculate linear regression equations and standard error and use equations to make predictions.

  11. Use a statistical package and/or a statistical calculator to help with computations.

  12. Make a formal presentation of an assigned case study dealing with one or more of the above areas of statistics.**