Topics
- Mean, Median, Quartiles
- Stem & Leaf Plots
- Histograms
- Probability
- Confidence Intervals, Z scores
- Types of Distributions
- Basic Probability Theory
- Hypothesis Testing
- Scatterplot
- Correlation
- Linear Regression
- Chi-Square
- Experimental Design
- Critique of Analysis
Computational Methods
- Manual Methods
- TI-83 and other graphic calculators
- HTML, Javascript, Java
- Excel, Filemaker, (Studyworks)
- Mathematica
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Projects (20 points each)
- Observational Statistics: Economics, Financial or History Project
- Experimental Design: Poll or Scientific Project
- Analysis of Data, Misuse of Statistical methods
- Computer Data Processing
- Computer Based Lessons
- Practice AP Examinations
Homework(10 points each)
- Study Questions from Reading Assignments
- Computational Exercises
- Web-Page Assignments
Examinations
- Online Quizzes (10 points each)
- Speed Quizzes (10 points each)
- Chapter Tests (20 points each)
- Quarterly Exams (40 points each)
This college level introductory course in Statistics is designed to prepare you for the AP Statistics Exam. Some activities are designed for developing concepts and understanding, while others focus on improving the way in which you communicate your statistical knowledge. I have chapter study guides that include the important terms (and where to find them in the book) as well as the homework assignment for the chapter. They are all available at the web site if you wish to work ahead.
Usually at the conclusion of a chapter, I will grade homework from that chapter as you take the chapter exam. Every week that does not have a chapter test has a quiz. You are expected to prepare for these examinations by taking the online quizzes and making sure you understand the assigned exercises. Online quizzes are from the textbook company and occasionally have "typos." You may therefore submit the quiz 3 times, and you will get the highest of the three scores.
The textbook Web site is http://bcs.whfreeman.com/yates2e/ When you take a chapter
quiz online, you must specify an "instructor's email address" twice which is frchris@mathorama.com. To receive credit,
you must type this correctly.
Quizzes are always open book, open notes, but taken individually by the
student. If someone is suspected of taking an online quiz on behalf of another student, oral quizzes
will take the place of online quizzes.
The TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-83 Plus Silver Edition are ideal for use on the AP Statistics
Exam (and is the reason that one of them is required for the course). The TI-84 series is also well suited for this exam, but cost a little more. The text also provides you with TI-89 tips. The TI-89 is very very cumbersome. It is able (by downloading certain APPS) to do all the data analysis as the 83 or 84, but usually with twice as many keys typed. Top scores have been achieved by students who wrote their own programs on TI-86's and HP-48's, but I would only recommend this for those who enjoy programming. Precious time is wasted if you don't know how to use your tools, so decide early which calculator you will use during the AP exam, and use it throughout the year. The instructor will only demonstrate TI-84 Plus (SE) techniques in class, so if you hate reading calculator manuals, I recommend getting a TI-83 Plus or an TI-84 series calculator so you can simply mimic the techniques demonstrated in class.
If you are desperate to use software, the text likes MiniTAB, and I prefer Fathom. Many free software solutions are available as well.
Your Quarterly Grade will be based on your performance after dropping your low homework score and your
low quiz score. The Projects, Section Tests and Quarterly examinations
will all count toward your grade. All must take the AP examination on May 5.
Extra Credit
According to the new Extra Credit Policy, extra credit assignments are worth only 10 points. These would include a 15-20 page Paper and class Presentation
on "Data Analysis and the Misuse of Statistical Methods" (a good source would be the books 200% of Nothing
and How to Lie with Statistics) or some other topic that needs to be approved by the instructor. In the past, students have collected data that demonstrate the statistical methods learned thus far, and presented to the class. |