POSC/SOC 250
SUMMER SESSION
APPLEBY CENTER
Monday-Thursday, 6 - 9:30 p.m.

INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS

BOB ESCUDERO
OFFICE:  AC 201D
HOURS:  By appointment only
PHONE:  (310) 506-4378
 Robert.Escudero@pepperdine.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A systematic introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, including both parametric and non-parametric methods. Topics will include: Organization of Data, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Estimation, Analysis of Variance, Correlation and Regression, and the Chi-Square Statistic.

TEXT AND MANUAL

Larson, Ron; and Farber, Betsy. Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 4th edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2009.

Schaffer, Jay. Student's Solution Manual to accompany Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 4th edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2009.  (This will be handed out in class.)

GRADING SYSTEM

There will be 3 data collection assignments (30 points each), 4 unit exams (100 points each), and participation/attendance (10 points). The final course grade is based on 500 total points, and the distribution is as follows:
   Percent       Points     Grade   Percent      Points      Grade
92.5 - 100.0   463 - 500       A 72.5 - 76.4   363 - 382        C
89.5 -   92.4   448 - 462       A- 69.5 - 72.4   348 - 362        C-
86.5 -   89.4   433 - 447       B+ 66.5 - 69.4   333 - 347        D+
82.5 -   86.4   413 - 432       B 62.5 - 66.4   313 - 332        D
79.5 -   82.4   398 - 412       B- 59.5 - 62.4   298 - 312        D-

76.5 -   79.4   383 - 397       C+

  0.0 - 59.5      0 - 297        F

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Because this class meets every day over a 4-week period, if you have more than 2 unexcused absences, your course grade will be lowered by one letter grade. If you have more than 4 unexcused absences, you will be asked to withdraw from the course or you will be given a failing grade. 3 tardies to class will result in 1 unexcused absence. Special needs must be discussed with me in advance of the absence. If you participate in official University activities (athletics, debate, etc.), you need to provide a schedule of events during the first week that will require you to miss class. When you miss class, you are responsible for obtaining all class notes, information, etc. from another classmate.

MAKE-UP POLICY

Missed Exams/Assignments: If you miss an exam or do not turn in an assignment on time, you will receive a zero. There are no make-up exams unless arrangements have been made with me prior to the exam and only as a result of severe illness (documented by your physician) or other significant reason documented and approved by me in advance.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE COURSE

  • Read the material prior to the day that it will be covered.

  • Don't fall behind; every day is like a week in a normal semester. You won't have enough time to catch up.

  • Come to class prepared to discuss and/or do board work.

  • Don't hesitate to ask questions; there is no such thing as a stupid question (unless, of course, it can be answered by reading this syllabus)!

  • Bring your textbook, notebook, and calculator every day.

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    TENTATIVE WEEKLY SCHEDULE

    WEEK 1

    Introduction to the Course, Syllabus, Handouts
    Review of Basic Mathematical Operations
    Chapter 1
    Chapter 2

    WEEK 2

    Exam 1 (Chapters 1 & 2)
    Chapter 3
    Chapter 4: 4.1-4.2
    Data Collection Assignment #1 due
    Chapter 5: 5.1-5.4

    WEEK 3

    Exam 2 (Chapters 3-5)
    Chapter 6: 6.1-6.2
    Data Collection Assignment #2 due
    Chapter 7: 7.1-7.3

    WEEK 4

    Exam 3 (Chapters 6 & 7)
    Chapter 9: 9.1-9.3
    Chapter 10: 10.1-10.2, 10.4
    Data Collection Assignment #3 due
    Exam 4 (Chapters 9 & 10)