Groups for final projects have been assigned! If you
don't know who your groupmates are, contact me as soon as possible. See
project guidelines below.
Next deadline: November 21, each group turns in
a one-page project proposal.
The book is on reserve at the SciTech Library - ask for Stats 4B.
The 2nd edition is now available.
Tutoring times have been announced. See tutoring labs, below.
Guidelines for Group Project
SAS help sheet 1 (Descriptive Statistics) - pdf
SAS help sheet 2 (One-Sample Inference) - pdf
SAS help sheet 3 (Two-Sample Inference and Regression) - pdf
Click on the appropriate dataset. Remember to "Save As..." type "Text File".
All datasets from Hayter (ASCII, zipped) (May require editing - remember, SAS wants only one space between variables for space-delimited files.)
Instructor: Michael Minnotte
Office: Lund 201-C
Phone: 797-2844
E-mail: minnotte@math.usu.edu
Office Hours: TR 9:30 - 10:20, W 10:30 - 11:20, or by appointment.
Course Web Site: http://math.usu.edu/~minnotte/S3000F02
Course Objectives: The purpose of this class is to introduce you to
a variety of methods that statisticians and researchers use to collect
and analyze data. The central underlying concept associated with all
statistical methodology is the identification of the sources of
uncertainty or variation in the observations/measurements we analyze.
Unlike lower level statistics classes (such as Stat 1040, 2000, or 2300),
we will use a higher level of mathematical thinking to develop some concepts
in a more rigorous manner.
Text: Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
(2nd ed.), Anthony J. Hayter, (Duxbury, 2002).
Prerequisite: Math 1100, Math 1210, or an equivalent calculus course.
If you are concerned about your preparation, please come see me.
Homework:
I will assign homework every 1-2 weeks, usually from the text book.
Please make things easy on me, the grader, and yourself; make your
homeworks easy to read and
grade. Use one side of the paper, write neatly, and leave plenty of
space. I will not require the grader to grade a paper which I can't read.
Also, show your work. Full credit will not, in general, be given
for just the answer. If your answer is wrong, you will probably receive
partial credit if you show your work, but not otherwise.
Many of the problems will involve computer work (see below). For the computational portions of such problems, you need only turn in the relevant output, together with any associated discussion and answers to specific questions. You do not need to turn in programming code.
All homework will be due in class on the due date. The grade for the homework will be reduced by 10% if it is turned in late on the due date, and another 10% for every working day it is late after that (to a minimum of 30% of the original grade) unless prior permission is given.
Finally, you may help each other with your homeworks, but I expect what
you turn in to be your own work. Helping does not mean simply copying
what someone else has put down.
Computer Use:
We will use the SAS computer package, available on the
PC's in the Ag. Science, Merrill Library, SciTech
Library, and TSC computer labs.
Tests:
There will be a midterm in class October 3, and another
November 21 (both Thursdays). The tests will be closed book, but
you may bring one prepared formula sheet. Calculators will be
required, and the problems will be similar to those in the
homeworks. Exam policy is no makeups unless you have a
very good reason and notify me in advance that you will
not be able to attend a scheduled exam.
Final Project:
There will be a final project in lieu of a final exam. You will work
in groups of 3-4. You may propose groups, although I reserve the right
to assign and reassign where necessary. The project will consist of a
meaningful (but relatively brief) analysis of data that your group has
selected. You will submit a write-up and give a short (10 minute)
presentation. Presentations will be given during our final exam period,
which is Tuesday, December 10, 9:30-11:20. You must be present for your
group's presentation to receive credit for the project. More guidelines
will be given as the semester progresses, although you are welcome to ask
questions about the project at any time.
Grades:
For each person I will compute an overall score according to the formula