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Statistical topics and techniques overfed during this semester include: descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, chi- square, and association. This class is not as math-intensive as you think! Although mathematical calculations will be necessary, it will be more important to be able to understand and explain the results of your calculations. That is the #1 skill that you will be able to take away from this class.
We will work on ways to organize and describe data then we will transition to using what we know about specific data to answer research questions and practical problems. The topics, examples, questions, etc. Will deal with social science research however the skills we work on can be applied to any type of Job that requires working with quantitative data. Grading: Your grades will be determined based on homework, lab quizzes, 2 exams, and bonus Homework: Weekly homework will be assigned based on our most recent class topic.
These assignments will count towards 20% of your final grade. Homework will consist of problems from your textbook that involve calculations and applying chapter concepts to real-life research questions. Lab Quizzes: Quizzes will be given in lab and count towards 20% of your final grade. Quiz questions will also be based on the most recent lecture topic and will either be true / false, multiple choice, or short answer. Exams: There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam, each counting towards 30% of your final grade.
Exams will consist of problems similar to homework problems and will test the application of research questions, ability to work through the steps of equations, and interpretations of the results. The exams are not cumulative, but information learned from previous sections of the class will still help o in later stages of the class. Make-up exams will only be given for legitimate absences as determined by LULUS (see AS-22 “Student Absence from Class”). Bonus: I will give pop-quizzes from time to time in class.
These will be more informal than the quizzes in the lab but will allow you to earn points that will be added on to your final grade percentage. Grade breakdown: 90-100=A, 80-89=8, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, 59 and below This is a required course for sociology majors. All sociology majors must earn a grade of “C” or higher in this course. Sorry, no negotiating Plan / Advice: I believe everyone can succeed in this class with hard work and effort. That simply means coming to classes and labs, turning in each homework assignment, and talking with me if you are not doing as well as you would like.
In order to get the most out of class and my presentations I suggest you read the chapter we are covering before coming to class. That way you will already be introduced to the material and will be able to follow along more easily. It is important to follow along with my explanations of how the topic fits into the bigger picture of statistical research and hen you can refer back to the slides after class and when you are studying. You will need a calculator for homework, quizzes, and exams! Homework will be due in the lab after we finish each chapter.
I will post the homework assignment on Module after class on Tuesdays. Although I plan on finishing each chapter on the Thursday class you can start your homework after the Tuesday class which would give you more time. Try and do a little bit at a time rather than saving it all for the last minute. Your work will be better and the information will stay fresh in your mind. The answers to the odd-numbered homework questions are in the back of the book, so most of the HOW questions will be even-numbered, but I will assign at least one odd-numbered problem so that you can check your work while doing the assignment.
Don’t Just copy the answer but instead work through the problem on your own and then check your answer to see if you did it correctly. You must show all of your work in order to get full credit. Additionally, even if you get the question wrong, showing your work gives you a chance of getting partial credit. During labs our Teaching Assistant Isaiah Cohen will review the homework with you and will be available to answer any questions you have about it.
The mid-term exam will take place on a Wednesday during your Lab (Stubs 102) and you will have 2 hours to complete the exam. Exam questions will be similar to homework questions, highlighting the importance of taking the homework assignments seriously. If you can do well on the homework you can do well on the exams. We will do similar preparation for the final exam. In addition, LULUS provides very helpful learning resources at its Center for Academic Success. I highly recommend checking out their website if you feel you need more help in this class or any others. Http://sacs. Lulus. Du Refer to this syllabus often in order to keep pace with the course. I will also make announcements concerning homework due dates and exam dates in class, as it is possible that we will not stay exactly on schedule. This is another important reason for coming to class. There are a few extra days of class that I can add if we end up getting behind, otherwise they will be days off. Course Schedule Date Topic Reading 8/26 Introduction 8/28 The What and the Why of Statistics
Chapter 1 9/12, Organization of Information Chapter 2 9/4 Graphic Presentation Chapter 3 9/9, 9/1 1 Measures of Central Tendency Chapter 4 9/16, 9/18 Measures of Variability Chapter 5 9/23, 9/25 The Normal Distribution Chapter 6 9/30 Review for Midterm Exam 10/2 Fall Break 10/8 Midterm Chapters 1, z No class 10/14, 10/16 Sampling and Sampling Distribution Chapters 7 10/21, 10/23, 10/28, 10/30, Estimation Chapter 8 11/4,11/6 Hypothesis Testing (1 Sample) Chapter 9 11/11, 11/13 Hypothesis Testing (2 Samples) 11/18, 11/20 The Chi-Square Test Chapter 11 11/25 Measures of Association 11/28 Thanksgiving 2/2, 12/4 Review for Final Exam Chapters 7, 8, 9, 11 Final Exam: December 13th, mamma-amp @seacoasts Hall Note: I reserve the right to modify the schedule. Certain topics may be more difficult than others; thus, we may spend more time on difficult topics. Academic Integrity: It is my hope that you approach this class with academic integrity.
On homework students often work together to help each other learn, but I don’t recommend simply copying someone else’s work. Although this could help your homework grade, you won’t be prepared for the exams and I do not want to see students struggle and fail. I understand that this class has a reputation for being difficult which creates added pressure to do well by any means, but following the advice I outlined previously is still the best option in my opinion. Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance with University guidelines outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the Faculty Handbook. Any case of suspected academic dishonesty will be turned over to the Dean of Students for investigation.
Disability Services: In an effort to ensure full participation in all activities, programs, and services, the Office of Disability Services (ODDS) at LULUS is committed to providing the appropriate aids and services for students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see a Coordinator in the ODDS so that such accommodations may be arranged. The ODDS is located in room 112 Johnston Hall. Please let me know ASAP if you are seeking or have received accommodations. I will be more than happy to make sure they are met. Final note: This syllabus is subject to revision based on any factors inside or outside of the class.