North Georgia College and State University
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Spring 2003
 
Course Number: MATH 2400F
Course Title:    Elementary Statistics  (Meets 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.  M , W, and F)
Credit Hours:   3 semester hours
Instructor: Professor Anita L. Prince
Newton Oakes Center, Room  221
(706) 864-1676, e-mail: alprince @ngcsu.edu
  www.ngcsu.edu/Academic/Art_Let/Math_CS/faculty.htm
Office Hours:
Monday 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment
 
Description: This course is a non-calculus introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics.  Topics include graphical and numerical methods of describing data, hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation, the normal distribution, and estimation.
Prerequisite: Three hours of college mathematics.  A student will not be allowed credit the MATH 2400 after completing MATH 3300 with a grade of "C" or above.
Required Materials: A First Course in Statistics (8th edition) by McClave and Sincich
A 3.5 inch high density disk
A TI-83 or  TI-83+, a graphing calculator with a statistical package 
Course Content: Chapters one through nine will be covered in this course.  Some sections of these chapters will be omitted.  The following topics will be covered:  descriptive and inferential statistics, graphical and numerical methods of describing data, normal distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and linear regression and correlation.
Objectives: After successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.  Distinguish the use of descriptive statistics from the use of inferential statistics.
2.   Distinguish qualitative data from quantitative data.
3.  Construct a frequency distribution, relative frequency distribution, and cumulative frequency distribution for a given set of data.
4.  Construct a histogram for a given set of data.
5.  Compute and provide a qualitative interpretation for the mode, mean, and median of a given set of data.
6.  Compute and provide a qualitative interpretation for the range, interquartile range, and standard deviation of a given data set.
7.  Find the proportion of data between two given values for a normal distribution.
8.   Find the value of a given percentile for a normal distribution.
9.  Compare scores from two different normal distributions using standard scores.
10.  Construct a scatterplot for a given set of paired data.
11.  Compute and provide a qualitative interpretation for the correlation coefficient of a given set paired data.
12.  Compute the slope and y-intercept of the least squares prediction line to predict the value of variable from the value of the other.
13.   Provide a strategy for collecting a random sample from a given population.
14.  Compute and provide a qualitative interpretation for the mean of all sample means and the standard error of the mean for a given population and sample size.
15.  Perform the six steps of hypothesis testing for a z-test, t-test, t-test for two independent samples, and t-test for matched samples.
16.  Distinguish Type I errors from Type II errors and provide a strategy for minimizing the chance of one or the other occurring.
17.  Find and provide a qualitative interpretation for a confidence interval.
18.  Perform the six steps of hypothesis testing for a chi-square test.
19.  Determine the appropriate hypothesis test to use in a given situation.
 
Instructional Methods: The methods of instruction are determined by the instructor; however, the instructor is expected to use a variety of methods to facilitate the student's learning.  These methods may include, but are not limited to discussion; problem-solving sessions with informal assessment by the student or instructor; lecture with questioning; group projects; question and answer; computer- and/or calculator-based explorations; and student presentations; and timely feedback from test, quiz, or project results (formative assessment).  Students will be encouraged to assess and monitor their own problem-solving process to determine when an error has been made or a new strategy should be used.
Evaluation Methods: Formative assessment will be in the form of projects, written tests, and quizzes.  Summative assessment will be in the form of final examination.  Special projects and daily grades may be used at the discretion of the instructor.
Quizzes: There will be at least five (6) major quizzes given during the last 20 minutes of class and will cover the assigned reading, class notes, and homework.  If the instructor deems necessary, more quizzes will be given.  See your calendar for the tentative dates for the quizzes.   Your cumulative quiz score will be based on your best five (5) out of six (6) quiz scores (subject to change if more quizzes are given).  No make-up quizzes will be given.
Tests: There will be four (4) tests.  See your calendar for the tentative dates of the tests.
Homework: Homework exercises will be assigned on a regular basis (see attached assignment sheet).  It is imperative that you daily and consistently do these exercises.  
Final Exam: The final exam is mandatory and cumulative, and must be taken at its scheduled time:

           Tuesday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Requests to take a final examination at another time must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, April 18, and must be approved by both the instructor and department head.
Grading: Your course grade will be based on a rounded final average as follows:

           A     90 - 100
           B     80 - 89
           C     70 - 79
           D    60-69
           F     less than 60
The final grade will be computed as follows:   Projects (15%); Quizzes (20%); Tests (48%); and Final Exam (17%).

Make-up tests and projects will be allowed in extreme circumstances.  Quizzes, tests, and the final exam are to be an individual effort.  Projects can be completed together as a team of two or more members.
Attendance: Attendance is required.  Any student that is absent more than 14% of the scheduled class meetings (6 days) will be dropped with a WF.  A few exceptions exist.  Excused absences will count toward the 14%; the word excused only indicates that make-up work is allowed.  Repeated tardiness is not allowed and the instructor may record each instance after the first as an absence.
General Expectations: See separate page.
Academic Integrity: "On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do."  Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy will be reported to the Academic Integrity Council in an incident report.  For additional information, refer to the Academic Integrity Policy in the 2002-2004 Undergraduate Bulletin on pages 74-77.
Disabilities: NGCSU is committed to equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities.  If you will need accommodations in this class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the instructor and the Office of Student Disability Resources.  Please contact Mr. Rodney E. Pennamon, Coordinator, at 867-2782, Room 207, in Barnes Hall.
Knowledge Base: 1.  Required Text:  A First Course in Statistics (8th edition) by McClave and Sincich
2.  Supplemental Text: 
  • Student's Solutions Guide by Nancy S. Boudreau
  • Rossman, Chance, and Von Oehsen. Workshop Statistics: Discovery with Data and the Graphing Calculator.  Emeryville, CA: Key College Publishing, 2002.
3.  Library Resources:
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States, U. S. Government.
  • Survey of Current Business, U. S. Government.
  • Bell, E. T. Men in Mathematics.  New York: Simon & Schuster, 1937.
  • Osen, Lynn. Women in Mathematics. Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 1974.
  • Katz, Victor. A History of Mathematics, New York: Harper Collins, 1993.
4.  World Wide Web Resources:
5.  Technology Resources:  Graphing calculator, Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL), Calculator-Based Ranger (CBR), and statistical software such as SPSS and Excel.
Stick-to-it-iveness has alot to do with getting the right answers in math, English, history, and life, as illustrated in this little verse from the McGuffey's Reader.
The fisher who draws in his net too soon,

Won't have any fish to sell;

The [student] who shuts up his book too soon,
Won't learn any lessons well.

If you would have your learning stary,
Be patient--don't learn too fast;
The man who travels a mile each day,
May get round the world at last.
 

Back to Home Page