Northeastern State University

College of Math, Science and Nursing

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Syllabus for Math 3513 Statistical Methods
PREREQUISITES: MATH 1513 or equivalent

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: The design of experiments and investigation; statistical inference; probability and combinatorial methods; discrete and continuous distributions; expected values; sampling; point estimation.

COURSE PURPOSE: This is an introductory statistics course that presumes no knowledge of statistics or higher mathematics. This course is required of all mathematics education majors and is a service course for other majors across campus. It is intended to develop the skills necessary for students to understand and critically assess the professional literature in their field. The course is also designed to enable students to perform basic statistical analysis of a variety of experimental situations. Emphasis is placed on the logic and process of statistical inference, the interpretation of the results of statistical analysis and the utilization of statistical analysis for decision-making.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES: To develop an understanding of how statistics: 1) are used to summarize, simplify and describe data sets in a manner that makes the information easily understandable and 2) utilize sample data to make decisions about a population based on logic and probability. Specifically, students will be expected to achieve the following objectives:

1. Identify types (levels or scales) of data and statistical methods appropriate for different type of data.

2. Summarize and describe data sets effectively.

3. Use basic probability concepts in problem-solving.

4. Recognize specific probability distributions and utilize them in problem-solving.

5. Determine and apply appropriate statistical methods for a variety of situations and data sets.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the logic of hypothesis testing by performing appropriate hypothesis tests.

7. Appropriately interpret and communicate the results of a variety of standard statistical analyses.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Required Textbook) Brase, C.H. and Brase, C.P. "Understanding Basic Statistics." (2nd ed.) Boston:Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001. Students are requested to bring the textbook to class. A calculator with two variable capabilities is required for the course. Students should bring the calculator to class.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: The expected course outcomes will be realized primarily through lecture, discussion, demonstration, and group exercises involving problem solving activities.

Statistical Methods

I. Descriptive Statistics (Weeks 1 - 5)

A. Introduction to Statistics

B. Frequency Distributions

C. Measures of Central Tendency

D. Measures of Variability

E. Correlation and Regression

Major Examination #1

II. Probability (Weeks 6 - 9)

A. Introduction to Probability

B. Conditional Probability

C. Counting Methods including combinations and permutations

D. Discrete Probability Distributions

E. Normal Probability Distributions

F. Sampling Distributions of the Sample Means

Major Examination #2

III. Inference - One Population (Weeks 10 - 13)

A. Point Estimates

B. Interval Estimates

C. Introduction to Hypothesis Testing

D. Hypothesis Testing on One Population Parameter

E. p-values

Major Examination #3

IV. Inference - Two Populations (Weeks 14 - 16)

A. Confidence Intervals for Dependent Samples

B. Hypothesis Testing for Dependent Samples

C. Hypothesis Testing for Equality of Variance

D. Confidence Intervals for Independent Samples

E. Hypothesis Testing for Independent Samples

Major Examination #4

ADA COMPLIANCE: If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations, please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.

INCLEMENT WEATHER / DISASTER POLICY: The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State University:

1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is questionable.

3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the faculty member is unable to get to campus.

Policy: During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m.

The following media will be notified regarding closing of the campus:

Radio Stations: Television Stations:

KRMG 740 AM Tulsa KJRH Channel 2 Tulsa

KAYI 107 FM Tulsa KOTV Channel 6 Tulsa

KTLQ 1350 AM Tahlequah KTUL Channel 8 Tulsa

KEOK 102 FM Tahlequah KFSM Channel 5 Fort Smith

KBIX 1490 AM Muskogee Cable Channel 96 Tahlequah

KMMY 97 FM Muskogee

KVOO 1170 AM Tulsa

The automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.