Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

STATISTICS 200 SECTIONS 1-3: (CLASS 1) SPRING SEMESTER 2017

ELEMENTARY STATISTICS

INSTRUCTOR:

·  Name & Office Location: Patricia (Pat) Buchanan at 309 Thomas

·  Office Hours: Wed 1:35–3:35 PM (by appointment – sign-up sheet brought to class

·  Phone: (814)-865-6266

·  Email: must send under the Communicate tab in Angel – using quick message - will only read & respond to emails that are received inside Angel where I am addressed by name, have a correct subject heading, and class identification. Typically do not read emails after 8:30 PM. No emails about grades or clicker issues are answered.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbook: Mind on Statistics, 5th Edition, by Jessica Utts & Robert Heckard

·  options include: 3-hole punch loose leaf (LL), hard cover, and electronic version. No JMP code needed. Only the electronic version needs the Aplia code (instructor provides code). Instructor will only work from the 5th edition. No International Version. Student solution manual is not required. This textbook will not be used effective Fall 2017.

·  a few copies are available on reserve in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) & Pattee Library

Iclicker (Penn State now supports iclicker, iclicker+, or iclicker2)

· iclicker must be correctly registered with good batteries by Wed Jan 18. The course clicker policy is posted on Angel. Clickers will be used to enhance learning and provide feedback. Similar questions could appear on exams.

Calculator: Not needed for any Exam

TABLE 1: COURSE STRUCTURE (CLASS 1):

Section / Lecture (Mon & Wed) / Computer Labs (Tues &Thurs)*
Section 1 / 101 Thomas 9:05 AM / 111 Boucke: ( 9:05 – 10:00) AM
Section 2 / 101 Thomas 9:05 AM / 111 Boucke: (10:35 – 11:30) AM
Section 3 / 101 Thomas 9:05 AM / 111 Boucke: (12:05 - 1:00) PM

*Lab is only available for 55 minutes even though more time allotted.

LECTURE (MON & WED)

·  PowerPoint slides: posted by 7:30 PM on the previous day - bring copy to lecture

·  On-line Lecture Quizzes (LQ’s): posted to take after lecture prior to lab (does not count for a grade) - strongly encouraged to take before lab if unclear on some lecture topics

.

COMPUTER LAB MEETING (TUES & THURS):

·  Lab Activity handout posted by 4:00 PM on previous day - bring copy to lab – don’t wait to print it at lab - encouraged to work on it in advance if time is an issue - bring lecture notes.

·  complete “lab activities” preferably in small groups – submit an on-line Lab Activity Quiz (LAQ) before leaving class – includes both concept application and data analysis often using the statistical software package: Minitab – responsible for all information covered on the lab activity.

·  must complete the lab activity and the LAQ in your scheduled lab room and time

COURSE WEB SITE (ANGEL): https://cms.psu.edu:

·  everything relevant to the course will be posted, including course emails

·  Weekly Roadmap: includes readings, homework problems, and due dates.

·  Note: A course calendar will be available by Jan 16.

COURSE OVERVIEW & GOALS:

OVERVIEW:

In today’s world, we find “big data” driving decisions made in every aspect of life. Statistics is a discipline dedicated to unraveling the mystery of making such decisions when faced with uncertainty. More precisely, statistics is the art and science of using sample data to make generalizations about populations. The objective of this course is to explore and apply basic statistical concepts and procedures that are used when analyzing data. While the word “uncertainty may seem to give statistics a bad name, it is in fact its greatest strength. Grappling with variability is central to the discipline of statistics. Variability comes in many forms.

What you should discover is that statistics is not just another math course. While you will be exposed to new terminology and concepts, much of the time you will use statistical software to solve problems that require quantitative solutions. Math is said to be the language for communication with both science and much of the social sciences. Statistics provides the structure for this communication.

You will not be inundated with repetitive calculations but instead will explore data with a context. Basic algebra is the only prerequisite. The second part of the course is more technical. Success in this course requires an ability to apply reasoning/thinking skills over memorization. There is a new push in statistical education to stress statistical thinking over the learning of many procedures. Because of this, you will need to integrate new material with previously-learned material throughout the semester. You are strongly encouraged to read reputable news sources where you can see how statistics can be applied to everyday life.

TWO GOALS:

1.  To understand the scientific method from a statistical perspective

-  be able to identify questions, collect evidence, discover and apply tools needed to interpret the data, and communicate results. While you may never conduct a scientific study, it is still possible that you may encounter data or statistical results over the course of a career. The fundamental role of the statistical method is to deal effectively with unpredictable variation found in experimental results

2.  To become good “statistical” citizens

-  be able to: examine the information that you are inundated with, think critically about it, and then use it to make good decisions. Statistics plays a key role in solutions for many of today’s serious and fascinating problems. You need to understand what statistics can and cannot deliver. Statistics involves making judgments when using data to make inferences.

Note: A copy of the course learning objectives will be provided on Angel

OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE A PART OF OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY

Teaching Assistants (TA’s):

·  oversee the computer lab meetings – primarily serve as facilitators – don’t just give you the answers – if have a problem in lab – talk to the TA

·  work with a team of other graduate students who will hold shared office hours (SOH)

·  respond to emails received inside Angel

Learning Assistants (LA’s):

·  undergraduate students who are statistics majors (or in a closely related major)

·  will also help in the computer lab meetings (not available outside class for help)

HELP OPTIONS:

With large enrollment classes, students need to consider all possible help options. Two free options include:

Shared Office Hours (SOH) – start date TBD

·  Location: 220D Boucke

·  Conducted by a pool of graduate students from the statistics department

·  Hours are: (1-4 pm & 6-9 pm on Mon thru Wed) & (1-3 pm & 6-9 pm on Thurs)

Guided Study Groups (Through Penn State Learning) – start date TBD

·  Guided Study Groups (GSG) is a collaborative learning program designed to support students, who are enrolled in challenging larger lecture courses

·  GSG is a study group led by a trained student leader who is specific for this course

·  More info at https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/study-groups

This course is a Lion Tutors/Nittany Notes Free Zone. The instructor and TA’s are not affiliated with and do not provide any solutions for materials developed by external money-making sources such as Lion Tutors/Nittany Notes. Such services only train you take an exam. These people are not statisticians. Consequently, during the second-half of the semester, when the course material builds and becomes more challenging, students struggle because they cannot integrate the old material with the new material. Do not: bring these materials to office hours, show them to the instructor before or after class, or include them in any emails.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Academic integrity includes a commitment to not engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the Penn State community and compromise the worth of work completed by others. This course will follow the Eberly College of Science policy at http://science.psu.edu/current-students/Integrity/Policy.html

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact the Office for Student Disability Resources (SDR) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY), at 116 Boucke. For further information regarding SDR, please visit the web site at http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources. You must see the instructor in person about SRD accommodations after contacting the people at SDR.

Homework Quizzes & LAQ’s have already been adjusted to accommodate those who need additional time.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state of federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

COURSE POLICIES:

In order for this large class to work both logistically and with fairness, certain policies must be in place for the entire semester. With this course, you need to:

·  recognize that:

1.  this is an in-residence course – can’t disappear for days/weeks expecting to make-up work

2. final grades are earned based on mastery of material (not on attendance or negotiations) - not changed for financial aid and/or academic progress purposes. (also not curved or rounded) - individual extra credit will not be allowed either during or after the end of the semester

3.  lab activities & LAQ’s must be completed during the scheduled time in the assigned lab room

4.  all exams can only be taken at the scheduled time (can’t take early for any reason) you must sign up for exams and follow all rules when using the Testing Center

5.  your iclicker must be: correctly registered & properly working (which includes having good batteries and properly using your clicker)

6.  instructor does not answer questions about grade calculations or clicker issues by email

7.  you must seek immediate help if having problems

8.  you must submit your own work

·  use Angel (with an acceptable browser and fully functioning internet connection): Note: Angel problems can sometimes exist when using Chrome or Safari

1.  to send email

·  under the “Quick Message” option (no response to emails received outside Angel)

·  with an acceptable greeting (includes a name), complete sentences, a subject line that clearly identifies the email’s purpose & class identification by lecture time (Class 1 or Class 2)

2.  to regularly check:

·  the grade book right after making a submission (can’t report problems days/weeks/months later) - Angel does not lose grades

·  all posted materials and emails

·  come to class: by the scheduled start time and be willing to make the appropriate commitment (the instructor does not post or provide filled-in lecture slides)

·  refrain from talking during lecture except as part of an activity or asking a question as a matter of courtesy to the entire class

·  Regular Adds must contact the instructor within 24 hours of adding the course.

INSTRUCTOR PROMISES

Iwill:

·  startandendclassontime.I know your time is valuable.

·  breakupperiodsofthe lecturewithclicker questions to help make it easiertostay attentiveandalert (also encourage the use of: think pair and share with the clickers)

·  incorporatelotsofgraphs to help make the material more easy to digest

·  include relevant and realistic examples, along with using real data, when possible

·  askyouquestionsinclassthataredesignedtohelpimproveyourunderstandingofthe material

·  develop lab materials and assign homework problems to complement and integrate what is taught in lecture (not just busy work)

·  provideawelcomingenvironmentforyoutoaskquestionsbothinandoutsideofclass

·  not send email any more than is absolutely necessary and answer in a timely fashion

·  will provide some course reminders on the first slide presented at each lecture (along with oral reminders and statements on the Weekly roadmaps)

·  will hold class unless the University officially shuts down

ELECTRONICS USE POLICY:

Research has shown that using an electronic device with a screen during class distracts other students around you and hinders their learning. To eliminate the screen distraction (the halo effect), we will have two different zones in the classroom to accommodate both behaviors.

·  Students who want to be guaranteed a "screen free" environment should sit in the left half of the classroom (as you are facing the front). Students sitting in this area have committed to not using any electronic devices with a screen, of any size (laptop, phone, table, iPod, etc.) for the duration of the class period. It is fine to use your devices before class starts, but must be put entirely away during the actual class time.

·  Students, who will be using any electronic devices that have any kind of a screen, or who don't mind seeing others use such devices, should sit on the right half of the room. However, all students must still use behaviors that show respect to all class members.

COMMERICAL USE OF COURSE MATERIALS

My lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, exams, lab activities, and similar materials, are protected by copyright. I am the exclusive owner of copyright in those materials I create. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own use. You may not and may not allow others to reproduce or distribute lecture notes and course materials publicly whether or not a fee is charged without my express written consent. This includes not posting my materials on sites such as Course Hero or Note Hall, for example.

PENN STATE VALUES

Below are the six values for which everyone in the Penn State community should adhere to when making choices and decisions:

1.  Integrity: We act with integrity and honesty in accordance with the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards.

2.  Respect: We respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community.

3.  Responsibility: We act responsibly, and we are accountable for our decisions, actions, and their consequences.

4.  Discovery: We seek and create new knowledge and understanding, and foster creativity and innovation, for the benefit of our communities, society, and the environment.