This course will introduce students to many of the important concepts and procedures needed to interpret uses of statistics in the media, at home or at work and to use data to make decisions.
The emphasis will be on performing statistical procedures and interpreting the results to draw conclusions. The course covers methods of descriptive statistics, probability theory, and inferential statistics, including confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and linear regression. This course also includes review of foundational topics needed for the standard Elementary Statistics outcomes. Many other programs recommend Elementary Statistics or its level of competence for continued study leading to a related field.
For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
The Mathematics Department at Seward County Community College will enhance a student's ability to think critically using mathematical principles, ideas, and concepts in order to function in a society with ever-changing technology.
Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
Outcome #4: Demonstrate mathematical skills by using a variety of techniques and technologies.
Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
- Create graphical and numerical descriptions of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Calculate probabilities and percentiles related to a general normal distribution.
- Calculate and interpret a confidence interval for a single parameter, using both large and small samples.
- Perform and interpret a test of hypotheses for a single parameter, using both large and small samples.
- Perform and interpret statistical inference on the difference of two parameters.
- Fit and interpret a simple linear regression model, including correlation and scatterplots.
- Review place value, rounding, and estimating with whole and decimal numbers.
- Introduce Statistics, including statistical and critical thinking, types of data, and collecting sample data.
- Review converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Review midpoints as well as vertical and horizontal axes.
- Summarizing and graphing data through frequency tables and distributions, histograms, and scatterplots.
- Review linear equations in two variables and their graphs including slope and intercepts.
- Introduce and apply linear regression and explore correlation of data.
- Review numerical square roots and squaring quantities, along with order of operations. Introduce summation notation.
- Describing, exploring, and comparing data through measures of center, variation, and relative standing. Using these, quartiles will be determined to also create boxplots.
- Review fraction arithmetic, focusing on addition and multiplication.
- Introduce the basic concepts of probability. The addition rule, the multiplication rule, complements, and conditional probability will be covered. Basic counting principles using permutations and combinations will also be included.
- Review the area of a rectangle.
- Define probability distributions. Explore discrete probability distributions, binomial distributions, and the Poisson distribution.
- Introduce the Standard Normal Distribution and its applications, sampling distributions and estimators to use for the Central Limit Theorem.
- Assess normality of distributions, as well as approximating the binomial distribution with the standard normal distribution.
- Review interval notation with conjunction compound inequalities, as well as midpoints.
- Estimating population proportions, means, and standard deviations or variances, and determine sample sizes needed.
- Use hypothesis testing for claims about proportions, means, and standard deviations or variances.
- Use hypothesis testing with inferences from two samples, independent and dependent samples.
- Review the rate of change of a linear equation in two variables.
- Use hypothesis testing to test correlation in regression problems and discuss the coefficient of determination for explained variation.
- Lecture/Discussion
- In class and out of class assignments
- Calculator and computer exercises
- Whiteboard drills
- Calculator demonstrations
- Quizzes and Examinations
- Individual help
- Writing reflections and projects
- Textbooks
- Supplementary materials prepared by instructor
- Computer tutorial programs
- TI-84 graphing calculator
- Whiteboard
- Computer and projector
Methods of assessing the general course outcomes and the specific course competencies include student examinations and quizzes; assigned work; in/out of class activities using technology; attendance and student participation.
Outcome #2 - Assessed through short and extended writing assignments explaining and interpreting statistical concepts.
Outcome #4 - Assessed through class activities and assigned work to be completed using different techniques and technologies.
Outcome #5 - Assessed through activities requiring students to collect, evaluate, and analyze data of course materials.
Outcome #9 - Assessed through prompt submission of assignments.
SCCC Policy
Technical support is available by contacting the SCCC IT Department at itech@sccc.edu
Canvas Help: canvashelp@sccc.edu
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.