Course Number and Title:
MAT 162 Statistical Reasoning
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Stanton
- Wilmington
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: MAT 020 or MAT 062 concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
4 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
Statistical Reasoning is a course grounded in conceptual understanding and the development of statistical literacy. Students will analyze and interpret data through problem solving, collecting samples, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. In this course, students will also use technology to analyze summary statistics and graphical displays of data. This is a first course in statistics, appropriate for any student whose college and career paths require knowledge of the fundamentals of the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
1. Analyze data using graphical and numerical methods to study patterns and departures from patterns. (CCC 2, 6)
2. Analyze characteristics of an appropriate data collection plan in order to answer a given research question. (CCC 2, 6)
3. Make informed decisions using probability concepts and simulation. (CCC 2, 6)
4. Estimate population parameters using inferential statistics. (CCC 2, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Analyze data using graphical and numerical methods to study patterns and departures from patterns.
- Construct graphical displays of distributions of univariate data to include dotplots, box plots, and histograms.
- Interpret graphical displays of distributions of univariate data using shape, center, spread, and unusual features.
- Summarize distributions of univariate data using measures of center, measures of spread, and measures of position, calculated with technology.
- Compare multiple distributions graphically.
- Analyze scatter plots for patterns, linearity, and influential points.
- Interpret the equation of a least-squares regression line including the slope and intercept in context.
- Use technology to calculate correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination.
- Determine if a least squares regression model is an appropriate fit.
2. Analyze characteristics of an appropriate data collection plan in order to answer a given research question.
- Identify population.
- Identify characteristics of a good study.
- Distinguish between an observational and experimental study.
- Determine when a census or a sample survey is appropriate in observational studies.
- Develop and implement a sampling plan.
- Identify sources of bias in sampling and surveys.
- Identify potential sources of confounding variables in an experiment.
3. Make informed decisions using probability concepts and simulation.
- Apply the Law of Large Numbers and analyze the results.
- Calculate the probability of a specified event in a chance experiment with equally likely outcomes.
- Determine probabilities using fundamental probability rules.
- Conduct simulations to estimate the probability of an event and analyze the results.
- Use probability distributions to describe and analyze the behavior of discrete and continuous random variables.
- Distinguish between discrete random variables and continuous random variables.
- Describe the characteristics of sampling distributions of a sample mean and a sample proportion.
- Verify the conditions to apply a normal distribution.
4. Estimate population parameters using inferential statistics.
- Construct and interpret one and two sample confidence intervals for means and proportions.
- Conduct and interpret one and two sample hypothesis tests.
- Describe type I and type II errors in context.
- Analyze probability to explain the difference between practical significance and statistical significance.
- Analyze statistical studies that report confidence intervals and/or hypothesis tests to determine whether conclusions are reasonable.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Formative: Preview Assignments
|
5%
|
| Formative: Practice Assignments |
15% |
|
Summative: Projects (equally weighted by unit)
|
60%
|
|
Formative: Weekly Activities
|
20%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.