STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics - Department of Mathematical Sciences (2024)

Required Textbook

Two "textbooks" are required for this course:

  1. Montana State Introductory Statistics with R - free online textbook
  2. STAT 216 Coursepack - workbook with reading guides and in-class activities, purchase through Xanedu

CoursePack Title:Stat_216_Coursepack
ISBN:
9781711474120
CPID:
1511657

We're thrilled to assist you in accessing your XanEdu CoursePack. Let's walk you through the process step by step:

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  6. Congratulationson your successful purchase! Now, let's go back to your shelf. You'll notice that your newly acquired CoursePack is waiting for you there. Simply click on the pack's title, and voila! You'll gain access to all the incredible materials it contains.

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Please read through the syllabus linked below for more details about the course.

Quick Links

Data Sets

RStudio

D2L

Classroom Format and Organization

Stat 216 will meet 3 times per week. Each week, students will:

  • readassigned sections of the online textbook and watch videoson that week’s content priorto attending your assigned in-person class day, including concept check video quizzes embedded in the videos,
  • meet with your fellow students in your assigned classroom three class periods per week forin-class group activities and discussion(Mondays and Wednesdays) and in-class Rstudio labs(Friday),
  • complete oneassignmentinGradescope.

Contact Information

Your Instructor

See your D2L Announcements page for your instructor's contact information.

Course Student Success Coordinator

Melinda Yager
Office: Wilson 2-260
email Melinda

Course Supervisor

Dr. Mark Greenwood
Office: Wilson 2-228
email Mark

Course Description

Stat 216 is designed to engage you in the statistical investigation process from developing a research question and data collection methods to analyzing and communicating results. This course introduces basic descriptive and inferential statistics using both traditional (normal and t-distribution) and simulation approaches including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing on means (one-sample, two-sample, paired), proportions (one-sample, two-sample), regression and correlation. You will be exposed to numerous examples of real-world applications of statistics that are designed to help you develop a conceptual understanding of statistics. After taking this course, you should be able to:

  • Understand and appreciate how statistics affects your daily life and the fundamental role of statistics in all disciplines;
  • Evaluate statistics and statistical studies you encounter in your other courses;
  • Critically read news stories based on statistical studies as an informed consumer of data;
  • Assess the role of randomness and variability in different contexts;
  • Use basic methods to conduct and analyze statistical studies using statistical software;
  • Evaluate and communicate answers to the four pillars of statistical inference: How strong is the evidence of an effect? What is the size of the effect? How broadly do the conclusions apply? Can we say what caused the observed difference?

MUS Stat 216 Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand how to describe the characteristics of a distribution.
  2. Understand how data can be collected, and how data collection dictates the choice of statistical method and appropriate statistical inference.
  3. Interpret and communicate the outcomes of estimation and hypothesis tests in the context of a problem.
  4. To understand the scope of inference for a given dataset.

Data Sets

Data sets for course activities and assignments are available below.

  • World Bank Indicators (WorldBankIndicators.csv))
  • Montana fishing log (FishingLog.csv)
  • Roller Coaster Data (RollerCoasters.csv) and Roller Coaster Description
  • Gapminder data(gapminder.csv) from this Github repository
  • New Jersey Prisoners (NJPrisoners.csv)
  • Arsenic Levels in New Hampshire(arsenic.txt) - Bootstrapping supplement
  • Polar bear weights (polarbear.csv)
  • Tuition costs (Tuition.csv)
  • Birth weight data (Birth_Weights.csv) - Quiz 4
  • OkCupid data for Women (OkCupidWomen.txt) OkCupid data for Men(OkCupidMen.txt) - Regression and Correlation activity
  • Contractor audits (Audits.csv)
  • Murderous nurse (Murderous_Nurse.csv) - Exploration 5.1 data
  • Peanut allergies (PeanutAllergy.csv) - Assignment 5 data
  • Staring at drivers (StaringDrivers.csv) - Assignment 6 data
  • Life expectancy (LifeExpectancy.csv)
  • Ski resorts (SkiResorts.csv)
  • Tennis ball data (TennisBallData.csv) - Quiz 7 data
  • Pregnancy test(PregnancyTest.csv)
  • Activity tracker data (step.csv) - Assignment 8
  • Bear Complaints

Data Sets for Course Activities and Labs

  • Week 2 Activities: American Indian Address (Becenti.csv)
  • Activity 3A: Nearsighted children study(ChildrenLightSight.csv)
  • Lab Week 3: IPEDS (IPEDS_2018.csv)
  • Activities 3B, 4A and 4B: IMDb movies data set (Movies2016.csv)
  • Fall Activities: IMDb Movies (Movies2016_F24.csv)
  • Lab Week 4: Penguins (Antarctica_Penguins.csv)
  • Exam Reviews: Exam Review Data (ExamReviewData.csv)
  • Activities 6A, 6B and Activity 7A: Helper-hinderer study (infantchoice.csv)
  • Activity 7B: Male boxers (Male_boxers_sample.csv)
  • Activities 8A and 8B: Good Samaritan (goodsam.csv)
  • Lab Week 8: Edibility of Mushrooms (mushrooms.csv)
  • Activities 9A and 9B: Head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders (HeadInjuries.csv)
  • Lab Week 9: Glycemic control in diabetics (diabetes.csv)
  • Activity 11A: Swearing data set (pain_tolerance.csv)
  • Activity 11B: Color Interference (interference.csv)
  • Activity 12A: Behavior and Performance (rude.csv)
  • Activity 12B: Hiking Trail Weight (Trail_Weight.csv)
  • Lab Week 12: Dinosaur (dinosaur.csv)
  • Activity 13A:Crocodylian Measurements (Crocodylian_headwidth.csv)
  • Activity 13B: Golf Driving Distances (golf.csv)
  • Lab Week 13: Big Mac Index (big_mac_adjusted_index_22.csv)
  • Activity 14B: Titanic (titanic.csv)
STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics - Department of Mathematical Sciences (2024)

FAQs

Is intro to statistics hard in high school? ›

The difficulty of a high school statistics course is contingent on individual learning strengths and capacity. If a student struggles with deep analysis and formulas, more attention may be required to perform to the best of their ability.

Is stat math hard? ›

As previously discussed, the hardest part of statistics is figuring out how to approach each problem. Once the correct logic is understood and correct formulas are selected to answer a certain problem type, the actual math computation is relatively easy and involves basic algebra and calculator skills.

Is mathematical statistics easy? ›

Statistics is so hard to learn because it's a branch of mathematics that people pretend isn't a branch of mathematics and so they end up teaching it very poorly; for example, people try to teach you intuitions instead of teaching you theorems, but the intuitions aren't precise enough to prevent you from ...

How do you pass math statistics? ›

To succeed in statistics, you need to take your time studying new concepts, allow time to let them sink in, and don't give up. Because each new idea you learn in this course relies upon what you've already learned, statistics is not a subject in which to procrastinate.

Is statistics harder than Calculus? ›

If you enjoy analyzing trends and drawing conclusions from data, you may find AP Statistics less daunting and more interesting. On the other hand, AP Calculus can be relatively more challenging because it covers more advanced mathematical concepts, such as derivatives, integrals, and limits.

What is the hardest math class? ›

Generally speaking, the most rigorous math courses in high school include Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics, and for some, Multivariable Calculus (which might be offered at your school or at a local college).

Is statistics harder than pure math? ›

A pure mathematician works with complex systems and is considered more rigorous than a statistician. Mathematics is a subject of absolute conclusions. Statistical predictions are uncertain and vary with context.

What is the easiest math class in college? ›

Easiest Math Class in College?
  1. College Algebra: This class covers basic algebra topics and mainly reviews concepts you've likely learned in high school algebra courses. ...
  2. Statistics: Introductory statistics courses usually don't require much advanced math, and they focus on concepts that apply to various disciplines.
Feb 18, 2024

What is the hardest thing to learn in statistics? ›

Answer and Explanation:

The broad area of inferential statistics is more difficult to understand than descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics requires one to apply numerous somewhat arbitrary rules to make inferences about unknown data.

Is statistics just math? ›

However, statistics arguably is not a branch of mathematics. It is a mathematical science, built upon the mathematical discipline of probability. Some ways in which mathematics and Statistics differ include: Statistics often does not produce definitive conclusions whereas mathematics usually does.

Is there an easy way to learn statistics? ›

Here's how you can learn statistics on your own in four easy steps:
  1. Study the core concepts. You can start learning statistics by studying the core concepts of the discipline. ...
  2. Learn the Bayesian and Frequentist approaches. ...
  3. Research machine learning. ...
  4. Collaborate with other data scientists.
Jun 24, 2022

Are stats in college hard? ›

It involves a lot of math but is different from math because you have to deal with probabilities instead of exact numbers. Most people find that conceptually challenging. You'll do fine, though, if you have an analytical mind and diligently study the material.

How to ace a stats exam? ›

Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively:
  1. Start by reviewing the syllabus and course materials. ...
  2. Break down your study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks. ...
  3. Practice is key when it comes to statistics. ...
  4. Flashcards can be a great tool for memorizing formulas, definitions, and key concepts.
Dec 22, 2023

Is beginning statistics hard? ›

Most people find it difficult, yes. It involves a lot of math but is different from math because you have to deal with probabilities instead of exact numbers. Most people find that conceptually challenging. You'll do fine, though, if you have an analytical mind and diligently study the material.

What is an intro to statistics class like? ›

Topics discussed include displaying and describing data, the normal curve, regression, probability, statistical inference, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests with applications in the real world. Students also have the opportunity to analyze data sets using technology.

Is statistics worth taking in high school? ›

This course can benefit students interested in fields like business, economics, psychology, or social sciences, where understanding and interpreting data is crucial. Additionally, learning statistics can help improve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable skills across various disciplines.

Is statistics a hard class to pass? ›

Many students find AP Statistics next to calculus in terms of difficulty, with lower pass rates and fewer perfect scores than those of other AP courses. Even so, passing the AP Statistics exam can lead to advanced placement and even college credit for science, math, engineering, and criminal justice majors.

References

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