Spring 2002
COURSE: MA 220 Statistical Methods

PROFESSOR: Dr. Randal Beck         OFFICE: Sh 203 I

OFFICE HOURS: M,W,F:  2:00 -  3:00 TELEPHONE: (home) 423 - 7498
                  T:  9:30 – 11:00           (office) 424 - 6223
                                                                                           email: rbeck@mail.millikin.edu
                                            rsbeck@home.com

TEXT: Mendenhall, Beaver, Beaver, Introduction to Probability and
      Statistics, Duxbury Press, 10th edition, 1999.

OBJECTIVES:

  1. The student should gain a working knowledge of Statistical Inference, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Regression, Data Analysis and Chi Square Testing. The student should be able to explain the meaning of statistical results to a non-technical audience.

    2.  
  2. The student should gain a working knowledge of a statistical computer package.

    3.  
  3. The student should be able to evaluate statistics produced by a third party.

    4.  
  4. The student should gain an insight into what statistics can and cannot do
OUTLINE OF MATERIAL Review of Inference and Hypothesis Testing
Simple Linear Regression
Multiple Regression
Model Building
Chi Square Testing GRADING: The course grade will be based on the following: 3 tests              300 points
2 case analyses      200 points
final examination    150 points
homework and quizzes  50 points
class participation   50 points
                     750 points The curve will be 90% - 100% A, 80% - 89.9% B, 70% - 79.9% C,
60% - 69.9% D , and below 60% F.
CLASS SESSIONS: Class sessions will be of the lecture-discussion type. Class time will be divided between new material, homework, and review. All students are expected to contribute to class discussions. Class attendance is expected. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING THAT OCCURS IN CLASS.

HOMEWORK: Due to the fact that Mathematics is not a spectator sport (discipline), homework is an important part of the course. Homework assignments will be made during most class sessions. Some, but not all, assignments will be collected and graded. Homework written on spiral notebook pages will not be accepted. Homework should be neat, organized and legible. A list of the assigned problems should appear at the top of the first page of the assignment. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the first class period that follows the class session in which the assignment was made unless another due date is specified. Late homework is usually not accepted. Consult the professor for exceptions.

ABSENCES: If you cannot attend class, inform the professor of this fact and the reason the absence (prior to class, if possible). Tests may be missed for legitimate excuses only (i.e. illness, death in the family). If you cannot take a scheduled test, let the professor know (in advance, if possible). Make-up test can be taken when a legitimate excuse exists. However, make-up tests are usually longer and harder than the regularly scheduled test.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Students are expected to do their own work. In addition, students are expected to protect the integrity of their work. Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with on an individual basis.

PROBLEMS: The professor will hold office hours at the scheduled times. During office hours, the professor is available to answer questions, check ungraded homework, etc. However, office hours are not for private tutoring for students who have skipped class. If a student is having trouble in the course, he or she is encouraged to talk to the professor.