Math 214: Statistical Methods
Instructor: Neil Martinsen-Burrell (Science Center 363, 319-352-8420,
nmb@wartburg.edu)
Class web page: http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/nmb/math214
Office hours: MWF 9-10, T 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
Class meets: Science Center 041, MWF 7:45-8:50
MA 90 competency
Sullivan, Statistics: Informed Decisions Using
Data, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.
Basic terminology, concepts and techniques for
describing data and inferring properties of populations (large groups)
by using samples (small groups) from those populations.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to
- Understand and explain simple statistical methods commonly used
in reporting polling data and scientific research studies using
correct statistical notation and appropriate language.
- Construct informative graphical and numerical summaries of data
appropriate for the type of data and the context in which the data
was collected.
- Interpret the meaning of graphical and numerical summaries of
data in written terms appropriate to the context in which the data
was collected.
- Recognize and properly carry out parameter estimation (including
confidence interval calculations) and hypothesis testing procedures
by hand, with the aid of a statistical calculator, or using a
statistical software program. Understand the formalism of parameter
estimation and hypothesis testing and how it relates to, supports,
and advances the scientific method.
- Properly apply the formalism of parameter estimation and
hypothesis testing to scientific inquiry by appropriate statistical
analysis of collected data.
- Understand the limitations of the statistical methodology
learned in the course, and be able to recognize problems in which
the statistical methods learned are not appropriate.
Computers are an important tool for doing statistics. You
will be expected to use technology on homework assignments and on
exams. We will use a program called Minitab which is available for
use in the computer lab next to our classroom (SC 43). A TI-83/84
graphing calculator will also be useful for many of the concepts we
will discuss.
Working problems is an important part of the process
of learning this material--just coming to class is not enough!
Homework will be assigned for each class meeting and the previous
week's homework will be collected on Monday.
I encourage you to try each day's homework before coming to
class. In conjunction with the reading that you will be doing
before class (see Writing About Reading below) this will allow you to
ask questions that will help you learn what you find
difficult. And remember, if you have a question on some material, so
do other people!
Collaboration is an mathematical important skill, particularly in
statistics where work often crosses disciplinary lines, so
collaboration on homework is allowed and encouraged. But
copying from another person is prohibited in accordance with the Honor
Code (see below). Think of your classmates as reference materials for
your homework, and remember to cite your references: ``I consulted
Daffy Duck on the above problem.''
Learning outside of class time is the most
important way for you to learn this material. To develop your
communication skills and ensure that your are reading the material
before class, there will be a short writing question posted on
the Manhattan system (socrates.wartburg.edu, details to follow)
about each day's readings. You must complete the assignment before
the start of class to get credit. These assignments will not be
graded, only checked to see that you did them.
Learning to communicate mathematical ideas is an
important part of learning mathematics. During the semester you will
work on 2-3 small projects in groups, each one culminating in a
written report. These projects are intended to help you learn
mathematical communication skills.
There will be two midterm exams (Monday, October 9
and Wednesday, November 8 in class) and one cumulative final exam
(Wednesday, December 13, 11:30 am).
| Homework |
30% |
| Writing About Reading |
15% |
| Projects |
15% |
| Exams |
40% |
Grading will be relative to the performance of the rest of
the class, with the exception that a 90% will guarantee you at least
an A-, 80% a B-, 70% a C- and 60% a D.
By attending Wartburg College, students pledge their dedication to the
Honor Code.
As a matter of personal commitment, students, faculty,
and staff of Wartburg College are expected to demonstrate four
simple principles.
- All submitted work must be your own.
- When using the work or ideas of others, including fellow students, provide full credit through accurate citations.
- Ask for clarification if there is uncertainty about citation rules on a particular assignment.
- Maintain academic honesty on examinations and class assignments.
Academic dishonesty will result in consequences between a failing
grade for that assignment and a failing grade for the course.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection
from illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with
disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to
disabilities must arrange for such accommodations by contacting the
Dean of Students Alexander Smith (STU 195, 352-8260, alexander.smith@wartburg.edu)
Accommodation should be requested prior to affected
assignment due dates.
