FCS 3210-3 FCS STATISTICS Fall
Semester 2008
Lecture:
M & W from 11:50 -1:45 in Class Room AEB 320
Professor: Dr. Byron L. Davis: Office: 416 INSCC –
Email: byron.davis@utah.edu – Phone: 585-5604
Web
Site: http://www.chpc.utah.edu/~byron (for syllabus, homework, etc.)
1) Understand the role of statistics in the
decision-making process with hypothesis testing being the basis of
providing evidence in applying the scientific method to solving problems.
2) Introduce the use of probability theory and
show its utility for bridging the gap between sample statistics and inference
(i.e., application) of these sample results to populations in the real world.
3) Learn about measures of center, dispersion,
and association/correlation for nominal, ordinal and interval measured
variables including appropriate tests for statistical significance.
4) Develop a healthy respect for how statistics
may be used and misused, cultivating a questioning (even skeptical) attitude
when evaluating reported uses of and conclusions based on statistics that are
so frequently encountered in the media.
Mathematical manipulations for homework and exams require knowledge of basic algebra. Having taken Research Methods facilitates/aids the necessary conceptual understanding of the application of statistics in decision-making.
Best
2 of 3 Midterms (I will drop lowest midterm score) 150
Homework/
Participation/Quizzes 150
Final
Examination (mandatory – cumulative) 150
Total
Points Possible 450
Final Grade Approximation:
A range > 90 % of
the highest total points received by top student in class
B range > 80 % " " " " " " " " " "
"
C range > 70 % " "
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"
D range > 60 % " "
" " " " " "
" "
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E range < 60 % " "
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Homework assignments must be turned in on time with all work shown (as all
answers are in the book) to receive full credit. Hand in originals
only and make a copy for yourself (if desired), as originals will not be
returned. Caveat: A passing score (i.e., 75% or better) on ALL
exams including the final will result in a minimum final grade of “C” (or
better) for the class, even without assignments being turned in. But you must
arrange this with me first, as this can be an extremely dangerous option to
pursue. Examinations/Quizzes are
open book and open notes BUT they are time limited. Silent calculators are
allowed, however, methods of computation, where necessary, must be shown on
the exam form in order to receive full credit. Partial credit may be given
if the answers are wrong but the correct methodology is present on the paper
and is clear. Correct answers accompanied by no methodology may be given no
credit. Exams will only be given at the scheduled time except under
unusual circumstances and only if cleared by me in advance. The final examination is required and will be comprehensive.
V. How Best to Succeed
Complete all your homework and
hand it in on time (1/3 of your grade). Statistics courses are commonly
thought of as “most difficult.” However this class need not be all that
difficult, if you will stay ahead in your study, attend lecture and
ask questions. This is a 4 credit-hour class that realistically demands
that you spend up to 12 hours per week (3 hrs per 1 credit hr times 4 credit
hrs) studying outside of class. Concepts and operations covered in later
chapters build upon concepts and understandings gained in earlier chapters,
which makes keeping-up and/or staying-ahead the surest way to succeed.
8/25 Syllabus
Discussion and Class Overview
8/27 1 Why the Social Researcher
Uses Statistics
9/1* Labor
Day
9/3 2 Organizing the Data
9/8 3 Measures of Central Tendency
9/10 4 Measures of Variability
9/15 5 Probability and the
9/17 5 Probability and the
9/22 Test
1
9/24 Test
1 Review – Attendance is required
9/29 6 Samples and Populations
(Standard Errors & Confidence Intervals)
10/1 6 Samples and Populations
(Standard Errors & Confidence Intervals) Continued
10/6 Decision
Rule for Hypothesis Testing – Attendance
is required
10/8 7 Testing Differences Between Means (2 groups)
10/13
through 10/18* Fall
Break
10/20 7 Testing Differences Between Means (2 groups) Continued
10/22 Supplement
(Rank Order Group Differences)
10/27 8 Analysis of Variance
10/29 8 Analysis of Variance Continued
11/3 Test
2
11/5 Test
2 Review – Attendance is required
11/10 10 Correlation (Pearson’s r)
11/12 10 Correlation (Pearson’s r) Continued
11/17 11 Regression Analysis
11/19 11 Regression Analysis
Continued
11/24 12 Nonparametric Measures of
Correlation (Spearman’s r, Gamma and Lambda)
11/26 9 Nonparametric Tests of Significance (2-variable
12/1 Test
3
12/3 Test
3 Review – Attendance is required
12/8 Review
for final
12/10 Final
Exam; First opportunity – held during regular class period; same room
12/18 (Thursday at 10:30 am) Final
Exam; Final exam scheduled time; same room
*
indicates a holiday. Expect exams to be given on the day indicated (shown in bold). Important: A review of
the exam should take place during the next class following the exam. Exam
forms will NOT be returned, only
I chose to attend college to invest
in myself by expanding my knowledge and better myself through greater
understanding. My approach to college thus precluded any temptation towards
cheating as it was in direct contradiction to my goals. Everyone did not share this
ethic then, nor does everyone share it now. In the end, cheating is its own
reward because it hurts most the one who cheats. However obtaining a grade in
this class means competing with your peers. Therefore, I will accept signed,
written accusations of cheating against fellow classmates (I will keep them
confidential). I will consider three or more of these complaints against any
one student to be sufficient warrant to take action which may include such dire
consequences as being given a failing grade for this class, being reported to
the FCS Department and the University Student Disciplinary Committee.
I am an adjunct Associate Professor
for the FCS department and a full time Consultant for the CHPC (Center for High
Performance Computing) and IPIA (Institute of Public & International
Affairs) in Statistics and Research Methodology. I am typically in my office,
mornings. My preferred method of communication is email; I also
have phone messaging. A copy of this syllabus, homework assignments and other
documentation for the class may be found at my web site.
The
Be considerate of your classmates and their investment in this class: no extraneous discussions/talking, cell phones turned to vibrate not sound, etc.