Introduction to Statistics
for the
Social and Behavioral
Sciences
Social and
Behavior Science 3000
Telecourse
David Kiefer
e-mail: kiefer@economics.utah.edu
course website: webct.utah.edu
This course
applies probability theory and statistical methods to the social and behavioral
sciences. This is a high technology, distance-learning course combining video
lessons from the Against All Odds
series, plus with 8 discipline-specific videos, and a web site, webct.utah.edu. It is computer oriented,
but only a basic computer skill is required. Topics include descriptive
statistics, graphical methods of data analysis, basic probability theory,
normal and binomial distributions, sampling, confidence intervals, hypothesis
testing, regression analysis, correlation and causation.
The prerequisites for this class are Mathematics 1030, finite math, and one introductory course from one of the College’s Departments. The second prerequisite reflects an expectation that all students will have had an introduction to one of these related disciplines, so as to comprehend the application of statistical methods to the understanding of social and behavioral phenomena. This course can be used to fulfill the University's QB (statistical or logical reasoning) or QI (quantitative intensive) requirements.
Statistics is an
important tool of the social and behavioral sciences. Unfortunately, students
are often intimidated by this subject, and often postpone statistics courses as
long as possible. This is unfortunate since statistics is a method that can
greatly enhance understanding. Instead of dread, I hope this class will show
both the beauty and value of statistical methods.
The course begins
with an introduction of how quantitative information can be presented so that
it is easily understood. This topic is called descriptive statistics. This should help you in comprehending the
quantitative information that you encounter on a daily basis. It should
increase your skills in communication and understanding data.
Uncertainty is
all around us. We do not yet know who will win next October’s World Series. You
do not know whether you will have a traffic accident on your way home tonight?
The theory of probability is a
rigorous way to think about uncertain events.
When reading
about the latest scientific findings about, for example, the connection between
the 0.08 DUI limit and traffic deaths, do you ever wonder if you should believe
the researcher’s conclusion? Sometimes you probably have doubts, but rarely can
you explain exactly the reason for these doubts. This course will explain the
principles involved in judging the quality of such research. This topic is
called inferential statistics.
The required
textbooks are Introduction to the
Practice of Statistics, David Moore and George McCabe, and Telecourse Study Guide, David Moore.
This course is a
fully integrated distance-learning package available to university
undergraduates. The videos are broadcast on KULC Channel 9. A problem faced by
all distance-learning courses is student passivity and a lack of
student-teacher interaction, especially for statistics that requires "hands-on"
learning. This tendency will be combated with on campus discussion sessions for
a more direct student-teacher interaction. Although these are optional in our
distance-learning format, they are strongly recommended.
The first discussion
session makes use of the University’s computer network and spreadsheets,
especially Microsoft Excel. Assignments will be given and demonstrated on
computer spreadsheets. Since spreadsheets are pervasive in the business world,
this experience may increase your job opportunities.
The homework
assignments are crucial. If you seriously attempt the assignments, your chance
of doing well on the exams is much improved. You may either turn in your
homework on paper at one of the five University locations (central campus,
The midterm and
final examinations will be available at same five locations. Both the midterm
and the final are closed book; sample exams are available on the web.
The grading scheme is:
·
Assignments
(dropping lowest grade), 30%
·
Midterm
examinations. 40%
·
Final
examination, 30%
Final grades will
be computed by three methods; your grade will be the highest of the three:
·
The curve: with an overall average grade of
2.7.
·
The traditional standard: according to
100%>A>93%>A->90%>B+>87%>B>83%>B-80% and so on to
60%>E.
·
The ace the final rule: you get an
"A" for the course if you score an "A" on the final exam
regardless of your point total.
As a general rule I do not give
incomplete grades. Late assignments lose points; copies and exact duplicates
are unacceptable. Exams must be taken at the scheduled time.