Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - STAT 203 J100

Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)

Class Number: 7355

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2020
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: 30 units including a research methods course such as SA 255, CRIM 220, POL 200, or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Descriptive and inferential statistics aimed at students in the social sciences. Scales of measurement. Descriptive statistics. Measures of association. Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. Students in Sociology and Anthropology are expected to take SA 255 before this course. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 203 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 201, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course may be applied to the Certificate in Liberal Arts
Outline:

This course covers Chapters 1-9, 11, 12, 15-22, and 24-27 of the textbook.  Chapters 7, 11, 19, and 24 are section reviews (and thus are optional). Details of the other chapters are as follows:

  1. Descriptive Statistics (Chapters 1, 2, and 4 of text) Basic graphical statistics (e.g. bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, time plots, scatterplots) and basic numerical statistics (e.g. mean, median, mode, quartiles, standard deviation, correlation) are discussed. Scales of measurement are distinguished (e.g. nominal, ordinal, ratio and interval).
  2. Probability (Chapters 3 and 12 of text) The normal distribution is introduced along with probability rules.
  3. Sampling (Chapter 8 of text) Various sampling designs such as simple random sampling are discussed. The implementation of sampling procedures is also presented.
  4. Experiments and Observational Studies (Chapters 8 and 9 of text) The design of experiments is introduced with an emphasis on randomization, treatments, subjects, factors, pairing and controls. Comparisons are made with observational studies.
  5. Inference (Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18) Concepts related to the construction of confidence intervals (e.g. sampling distributions, confidence level, width, interpretation, the effect of sample size) are discussed. Also basic concepts related to the testing of hypotheses (e.g. hypotheses, p-values, statistical significance) are presented.
  6. Estimation and Testing for One Sample Problems (Chapters 20 and 22 of text) Procedures for means and proportions are discussed with an emphasis on the use of statistical software and the interpretation of results.
  7. Estimation and Testing for Two Sample Problems (Chapters 21 and 23 of text) Procedures for means and proportions are discussed with an emphasis on the use of statistical software and the interpretation of results.
  8. One Way ANOVA (Chapter 27 of text) One way analysis of variance procedures are discussed with an emphasis on implementation using statistical software and the interpretation of results.
  9. Chi-Square Tests (Chapters 6 and 25 of text) Procedures for testing in contingency tables are discussed with an emphasis on the use of statistical software and the interpretation of results. Measures of association are discussed.
  10. Regression (Chapter 5 and 26 of text) Simple linear regression is introduced with an emphasis on carrying out regression on actual data using statistical software and the interpretation of results. Related concepts including residuals, least squares fit, testing and the construction of confidence intervals is addressed.

Mode of teaching:
  • Lecture, Quizzes, Midterm, Final Exam: Remote Learning Asynchronous
  • Remote invigilation (Zoom, Proctorio, or other approved software) will be used.

 

Grading

  • Quizzes/HW Assignments 35%
  • Midterm Exam (in scheduled class meeting times) 30%
  • Final Exam (in scheduled class meeting times) 35%

NOTES:

There will be no make-up midterms.
 
Above grading is subject to change.

REQUIREMENTS:

Student participation in this course will require  computer equipment and a reliable internet connection. You may be requested to turn on audio and/or video during certain instructional activities, that may include tests and examinations, though exceptions will be accommodated. If you request such an exception for personal reasons, you must do so in writing to the course instructor by May 20.

Tech Requirements for online course STAT 203:

To be able to complete the online class successfully, at a minimum you will need a personal computer, access to the internet, a webcam , and a microphone to take online exams. 

Zoom will be used to proctor the exams.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

R can be accessed via Jupyter, an online platform, at https://sfu.syzygy.ca/. Alternatively, R Studio and R statistical software can be downloaded free of charge from https://www.rstudio.com/ and https://cran.r-project.org/, respectively.

Access to high-speed internet, webcam

REQUIRED READING:

Required Textbook:

 The Basic Practice of Statistics (8th ed.) (Sapling Plus is not required) by D. S. Moore, W. I. Notz, and M. A. Fligner. Publisher: W.H. Freeman Publishers

Loose-leaf ISBN: 9781319188658 (available at SFU Bookstore)
Other options are available through the MacMillan Learning website.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with Disabilites:
Students requiring accommodations as a result of disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning 778-782-3112 or csdo@sfu.ca


Tutor Requests:
Students looking for a Tutor should visit http://www.stat.sfu.ca/teaching/need-a-tutor-.html. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken related to tutors.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).