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Umeå University
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Syllabus:

Basic Statistics, 2nd Course, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Statistik A2

This syllabus is valid: 2010-07-05 valid to 2012-07-01 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2ST006

Credit points: 15

Education level: First cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Statistics: First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Three-grade scale

Responsible department: Department of Statistics

Contents

Moment 1. Statistical models (7.5 ECTS credits) The opportunities for designing high quality statistical investigations depend heavily on the statistical models known to and used by the investigator. This moment of the course gives the student knowledge about several statistical models and how these may be used for statistical inference. The moment begins with a thorough treatment of the concepts of conditional probability and statistical independence, Three new probability distributions; the hypergeometric, the Poisson and the exponential distribution are introduced. The role of the normal distribution as an approximation to the binomial distribution is considered. Estimation of and hypothesis tests for the difference of two population means or proportions is treated in detail, as is estimation and hypothesis test for a single population variance and the ratio of two populations variances. In addition, tests for lack of fit and homogeneity are studied. An introduction to experimental planning and the analysis of variance is given. Linear regression using dummy covariates and analys of variance are compared. Non-parametric methods are introduced for situations where the investigator cannot or does not want to make specific model assumptions. Methods considered are; the sign test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test, Wilcoxon's rank sum test and the rank correlation test. The measurement process and its role for the choice of statistical technique for analysis of data is considered. The moment is closed by an introduction to statistical quality control and to statistical decision theory. Moment 2. Statistical survey methodology (7.5 ECTS credits) Several important steps have to be taken when performing a statistical survey. The most important steps are; formulation of the problem which has led to the decision to undertake a survey, planning and scheduling the survey, choice of sampling plan, choice of method of measurement, data collection, computations, analysis, interpretation and presentation of the survey and the results found. Different questions can be answered by an appropriate choice of method for the study. In order to highlight this, both experimental and non-experimental approaches are compared. The main emphasis is on non-experimental, or observational studies as they are often called. Questionnaires are often used as the method of observation in surveys. Construction of questionnaires and methods for measurement is discussed. The most common methods of data collection (mail surveys, telephone interviews, personal visits) are described and compared. The most common types of survey design and corresponding methods for statistical inference are considered. It is important that a person or organisation buying or ordering a statistical survey has the sufficient knowledge and ability to determine the quality of a proposed survey. A model for quality judgement of surveys is introduced. The importance of the measurement process and the effect of potential sources of errors are highlighted in connection to this model.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to - use, understand and explain fundamental concepts related to statistic terminology and methodology, - use models and data to describe and analyse events in the real world that have random variation, - understand and explain statistical inference procedures as used for making decisions about probability statements, - be familiar with and understand the different steps of a statistical survey, - be familiar with and understand the different sources of errors in statistical surveys, - present and evaluate the results of a statistical survey both orally and in written form.

Required Knowledge

A 15-ECTS course in statistics is required.

Form of instruction

The process of learning is based on lectures, tutorials and the students' own work. During the course the students should work independent with practice material. The students are given both written and oral practice in presenting statistical concepts and analyses. During the course the students have access to computers. Teacher guided introductions of software and tutorials are given. Successively the students will receive skills and work independent with the computer as a tool in applied situations.

Examination modes

The grading system consists of the three grades; Fail, Pass and Pass with distinction. All students may receive ECTS grades upon request. Examination will be based on the written examinations and the assignments. To receive the grade Pass on a module the student must present satisfactory presentations of the given assignments as well as pass the written examination. For the given assignment special due dates will be given when it should be handed in and the oral presentation should be given. To receive the grade Pass on the course the students need to pass both modules. To receive the grade Pass with distinction on the course, the student must have received the grade Pass with distinction on both modules, or achieved at least 75% of the points on the written examinations. Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. Students who do not pass the ordinary written examination will be offered an opportunity to do a new written examination at the latest three months after the ordinary written examination. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year when the course is given again. In addition there might be opportunity during the week prior to the start of the autumn semester. For more information contact the director of study at the Department of Statistics. An examination is guaranteed to be based on the same syllabus as the ordinary examination during at least two years from the date the student first registered on the course. If a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher unless special reasons exist. A written request should be handed to the director of studies at the Department of Statistics no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity. A student who has passed an examination is not allowed to take another examination in order to get a higher grade. All teaching and examination will be in English. Academic credit transfer It can be tested whether a (part or a whole) previous course can be credited for. More information about these rules can be found at www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/index.html (Note that the information is only available in Swedish).

Literature