STAT 101: Statistics I

Saint Francis University

Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School
College in High School Program
2015-2016 Academic Year
3 credits
Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:13 10:55 AM
Room 112

Dr. Peter Skoner

Professor of Physics
313 Scotus Hall, SFU
Loretto, PA 15940
pskoner@francis.edu
Office (814) 472-3085
Cell (814) 241-7383

Textbook:
Bluman, Allan G. (2013). Elementary Statistics, A Step by Step Approach, A Brief Version,
6th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Description:
Methods used in the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data, including
experimental design sampling theory, estimation theory, hypothesis testing, regression,
correlation, analysis of variance and nonparametric techniques. Computer analysis required.

Prerequisites:
At least one year of algebra.

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Chapter Schedule (with approximate dates):
Date
8/27
9/ 2
9/18
10/ 9
11/ 6
12/ 6
1/ 6
1/13
2/3
2 /24
3 /19
4 /14
5/7
6/ 2

Topic
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Midterm Exam
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Final Exam

Description
Course Introduction
Probability and Statistics
Frequency Distributions and Graphs
Data Descriptions
Probability and Counting Rules
Probability Distributions
Normal Distribution
Confidence Intervals and Sample Size
Hypothesis Testing
Two-Population Hypothesis Testing
Correlation and Regression
Chi-Square and Analysis of Variance

Weekly Schedule:
This class will meet with the teacher each Tuesday and Thursday, except for the dates when the
instructor is not available. On other days, students will meet with a class monitor to complete
homework, readings, examination preparation, and exams. The teacher and students will also
maintain virtual communication through the Saint Francis University Blackboard course
management tool, e-mail, and videos.

Projects:
There will be application projects throughout the year to supplement concepts from the textbook.
The first will coincide with chapter 2 to introduce you to the various sampling techniques based
on the Prudential Investments television commercial, How old is the oldest person youve
known? You will also count M&Ms to verify that the distribution of colors matches the
expected distribution, simulation of the game show Deal or No Deal, investigation of sports
betting, measurement of your reaction times, simulated flipping of a single die and multiple dice
to model the central limit theorem.

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Grading:
Each nine weeks will consist of grades from homework (each 5 to 10 points), online quizzes (5
points each), chapter tests (50 points each), and projects (variable points). Grades will be
reported on PowerSchool and follow the Bishop Guilfoyle grading system described in the
Student Handbook.
Course Instructor:
Dr. Peter R. Skoner holds the faculty rank of Professor of Physics and serves in the
administrative role as Associate Provost at Saint Francis University of Loretto, Pennsylvania. He
has been a faculty member at the University since 1983 and continues to teach one course each
semester. He has served in various leadership roles Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Acting Academic Dean, President of the Faculty Senate, and Department Chair. Among his
current administrative responsibilities are curriculum and teaching, institutional effectiveness,
transfer articulation, and academic standing. He has published in Engineering Education, and
now serves as an Associate Editor for The Pentagon, the journal of the Kappa Mu Epsilon
(KME) National Mathematics Honor Society. He is currently serving as the National Historian
for KME. He has served on accreditation and certification visiting evaluation teams for the
Middle States Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division I), and
the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He has served as President of the Laurel Highlands
Mathematics Alliance and on the executive board of the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of
Mathematics (PCTM). He currently coordinates the Pennsylvania Statistics Poster Competition
for K-12 students, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Postsecondary Information Management
System Advisory Committee.
Before his academic career, he was a mining engineer with Bethlehem Mines Corporation, a
research fellow with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and a research
observer with the Pittsburgh Public School Board. He received his B.S. in Mining Engineering
from the Pennsylvania State University, M.Ed. from Saint Francis College, and M.B.A. and
Ed.D. from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Registered Professional
Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He and his wife Diane are blessed with three
children Kathleen, Kelleen, and Matthew.

STAT 101, Page 4; August 27, 2015

The Goals of Franciscan Higher Education

The Franciscan Goals of Higher Education are the foundation for education at Saint
Francis University, including this course.
1. A HUMBLE AND GENEROUS ATTITUDE TOWARD LEARNING
Aware that all talents of mind and heart are gifts of God, the source of all good, and realizing that
knowledge is not a personal possession intended solely for self-advancement, as members of the
Saint Francis community we strive to share our abilities and skills generously with others. We
seek not the power and prestige of knowledge nor the desire to control or dominate but to serve.
We strive for excellence without arrogance, willingly sharing our knowledge and wisdom, and
humbly learning from one another. As a community of learners seeking the truth together, we
encourage the free and open exchange of ideas and responsible action.
2. REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE AND FOR THE GOODNESS OF ALL HUMANITY
As children of God, we are brothers and sisters to each other, to all humanity, and to all God's
creatures. Thus we strive to show reverence for all human life and for life in all its forms, to treat
all people with dignity and respect, and to work together for the common good. In a spirit of
charity, we care for and support each other, helping to bind the wounds of those who suffer and
bearing one another's burdens. We also care for the earth which is our home and work to protect
and preserve it for future generations.
3. A GLOBAL VISION
As citizens of the earth and as brothers and sisters in the global community, we embrace all
classes of people and respect all cultures, all races, and all religions. We strive to resolve conflict
non-violently and to work for justice within our community, our society, and our world. We work
to build up God's people everywhere, to bring reconciliation, and to act as instruments of peace
in the communities we serve.
4. SERVICE TO THE POOR AND THE NEEDY
In the spirit of Saint Francis, the poverello, we strive to be compassionate to all and especially to
the poor and disenfranchised. Recognizing our own dependence on God and on others, and
trusting in His providence, we engage in active service to the poor and to those with special
needs such as the elderly and youth, the ill and the imprisoned. With gratitude to those who share
their means to help us accomplish our Franciscan mission, we seek also to exercise a wise and
careful stewardship of the institution's resources. We commit ourselves to honesty and integrity
in our work, accept personal responsibility for our actions, and exercise high ethical standards in
our personal and professional lives.

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5. RESPECT FOR THE UNIQUENESS OF INDIVIDUAL PERSONS
In imitation of Francis of Assisi, who was open to human personality in all its variety and who
saw the image of God multiplied but never monotonous, we recognize that each individual
person is a unique combination of God-given abilities. We know that each person expresses the
goodness of God in a particular way. Every member of the University community thus deserves
to be treated respectfully and each should treat others with respect. Students especially should be
accorded as much personal attention as possible. With education of the whole person as our
goal, we endeavor to foster the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth of Saint Francis
students and to prepare them not just for productive careers but for fruitful lives.
6. A COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND PRAYER
The Saint Francis community, while respecting the religious beliefs and traditions of others,
seeks to listen to the Word of God and to observe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The University
strives to promote the spiritual growth and development of its member and invites all to gather in
prayer and worship and, when possible, to participate in the Eucharist and in the sacramental life
of the Church. The University is devoted to the Catholic Church and its leaders and strives to
serve the educational and spiritual needs of the Church's clergy, religious, and laity.
7. THE SPIRIT OF SIMPLICITY AND JOY
Imitating Francis, who called himself the herald of the Great King and the troubadour of God,
the Saint Francis community celebrates life in simplicity and joy. With good humor and
common sense, we share our stories and teach by good example. We also extend courtesy and
hospitality to all guests and to all who wish to join this community.
8. FRANCISCAN PRESENCE
The University gratefully acknowledges the vision, sacrifice, and zeal of our Franciscan founders
and of the friars who have served the campus community loyally over the years. We strive to
emulate the Franciscan values evident in their ministry. Franciscan presence also encompasses
all men and women of good will who have been associated with the University and whose lives
and work exemplify the ideals of Saint Francis. We encourage and promote these values for
future generations, knowing that as long as the spirit of Francis of Assisi continues to animate
this community of learners, Saint Francis University will be graced with Franciscan presence.

STAT 101, Page 6; August 27, 2015

Learning Outcomes:
The learning outcomes for STAT 101, Statistics I, along with the associated detailed outcomes
listed under each major outcome, are the basis for measuring student learning. As such, all
measures of student progress used in the course including course exams and assignments will be
designed to measure one or more of the outcomes listed below.
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the field of statistics and an ability to apply and
understand basic statistical terminology and concepts.
a. Display the ability to define and understand the field of statistics and its
application in the world around us.
b. Display the ability to differentiate between the two main branches of statistics:
descriptive (numerical and graphical) and inferential statistics.
c. Display the ability to apply basic statistical terminology: population, sample,
parameter, statistical inference, confidence level, significance level, variables,
values, and data.
d. Display an appreciation for role of computers in the application of statistics.
e. Display the ability to differentiate between the types of data: (interval, nominal,
ordinal) or (quantitative and quantitative) or (discrete and continuous).
2. Demonstrate the ability to interpret, analyze, and create the various forms of graphical and
tabular descriptive statistical techniques.
a. Display the ability to describe nominal data through the creation and
interpretation of pie charts and bar charts.
b. Display the ability to describe interval data through the creation and interpretation
of histograms, ogives, and stem-and-leaf displays.
c. Display the ability to describe the relationship between two variables through the
creation and interpretation of graphical and tabular techniques such as scatter
diagrams and bivariate bar charts.
d. Display the ability to describe time series data through the creation and
interpretation of graphical and tabular techniques such as line charts.
e. Display the ability to utilize Microsoft Excel to import, analyze, and interpret data
using the appropriate graphical techniques.
f. Demonstrate the ability to recognize various forms of graphical deception.
g. Demonstrate the ability to interpret graphical statistics when encountered in
various documents or in oral presentations.
h. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate graphical statistics into written reports and
oral presentations.

STAT 101, Page 7; August 27, 2015

3. Demonstrate the ability to explore, analyze, and communicate numerical data through the
creation and interpretation of the various forms of numerical descriptive statistical
techniques.
a. Display the ability to describe and interpret data through the various measures of
central location (mean, median, mode, geometric mean).
b. Display the ability to describe and interpret data through the various measures of
variability (range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, Empirical
rule, Chebysheffs Theorem).
c. Display the ability to describe and interpret data through the various measures of
relative standing and through the creation of box plots (percentiles, quartiles,
interquartile range, outliers).
d. Display the ability to describe and interpret data through the various measures of
linear relationship (covariance, coefficient of correlation, least squares method).
e. Display the ability to utilize Microsoft Excel to import, analyze, and interpret data
using the appropriate numerical techniques.
f. Demonstrate the ability to interpret numerical statistics when encountered in
various documents or in oral presentations.
g. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate numerical statistics into written reports and
oral presentations.
h. Demonstrate the ability to apply general guidelines for the exploration of
numerical data.
i. Demonstrate an ability to compare the differences, strengths, and weaknesses
between numerical and graphical descriptive techniques and understanding of
when each should be applied.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data and the collection of data for statistical
purposes
a. Display the ability to distinguish between and discuss the different sources of data
(primary and secondary).
b. Display the ability to describe the various methods of data collection with an
understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each method. (experimental vs
non-experimental, direct observation, surveys, interviews, and questionnaires).
c. Display the ability to describe the various sampling plans with an understanding
of the strengths and weaknesses of each method. (simple random sampling,
stratified random sampling, cluster sampling).
d. Display the ability to describe and understand the various errors that can occur
when employing a sampling plan (sampling error vs non-sampling errors), (errors
in acquisition, nonresponse error, selection bias).
e. Demonstrate the ability to choose the appropriate sampling plan and defend its
choice.

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5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of probability.
a. Define and demonstrate the ability to use basic probability terminology (random
experiment, simple event, event, sample space, probability of an event,
exhaustive, mutually exclusiveness).
b. Display the ability to describe and distinguish between the various methods of
assigning probability (classical approach, relative frequency approach, and
subjective approach).
c. Display an understanding and ability to interpret various types of probabilities
(joint, marginal, conditional, union).
d. Display an understanding of the difference between independent and dependent
events.
e. Display an ability to apply various probability techniques to determine probably
for a complex event (probability trees, multiplication rule, addition rule,
complement rule, Bayes rule).
f. Demonstrate the ability to interpret probability information when encountered in
various documents or in oral presentations.
g. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate the concepts of probability into written
reports and oral presentations.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts and principles of the use
and interpretation of probability distributions.
a. Demonstrate the ability to define and describe basic probability distribution
terminology (random variable, discrete random variable, continuous random
variable, expected value).
b. Display an understanding of the concept of expected value and the many
applications in the world around us.
c. Display an understanding and ability to work with and interpret situations that
present themselves as discrete binomial distributions.
d. Display an understanding and ability to work with and interpret situations that
present themselves as discrete Poisson distributions.
e. Display an understanding and ability to work with and interpret situations that
present themselves as continuous distributions (normal distribution, student T
distribution, chi-squared distribution, F distribution, exponential distribution).
f. Demonstrate the ability to interpret probability distribution information when
encountered in various documents or in oral presentations.
g. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate the concepts of probability distributions
into written reports and oral presentations.

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Expectations:
1.

Attend class, participate in discussions, offering practical examples when possible. Also,
ask and answer questions. If you miss class, please contact me to discuss missed work.

2.

Read assigned material from textbook.

3.

Solve assigned problems from text, and participate in online discussions with questions.

4.

Complete online quizzes.

5.

Complete chapter examinations.

6.

Participate in projects, sometimes as an individual and sometimes in groups.

Academic Honesty:
The following text comes from the Saint Francis University Academic Honesty Policy, approved
by the Faculty Senate and University President in July of 2012.
The Franciscan tradition of Saint Francis University holds that students maintain honesty
in all intellectual and academic pursuits, which means they will present as their own only
work they have created. In addition, all material must be properly attributed to the
original author or source. This includes always conducting oneself with integrity and
honesty in all University business.
The complete policy is available on my.francis.edu, under the Current Students tab, under the
Student Resources heading, and in the Student Handbook online.
You are encouraged to work with each other in completing the homework assigned in each
chapter. You are encouraged to speak with each other, ask and answer questions with each other
and the course professor, and ask questions on the Blackboard Discussion for each chapter.
However, no two of you should submit identical homework assignments. There are considerable
and noticeable differences between working together and copying.
The Bishop Guilfoyle Student Handbook also explains, Cheating is both an academic offense
and disciplinary offense. Cheating will result in a mandatory 0 grade on the assignment, quiz,
test, or project.
The best way to avoid honesty investigations and penalties is to learn statistics, work hard, pay
attention in class, ask questions, and be honest if you are having problems.

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Blackboard:
Much of the work in this course will be conducted on Blackboard. To get to Blackboard, you
will go to my.francis.edu, and clicking the Blackboard link on the left. Then you login to
Blackboard using your Saint Francis University Username, and the password as explained on
my.francis.edu. Examples of work available on Blackboard includes the following:
announcements, online quizzes, sample exams and exams from the previous year, chapter
Powerpoints, chapter discussions, course calendar, course syllabus, course announcements, and
more. Blackboard can be found as a link on my.francis.edu and each student will receive login
information once you are registered for the College in High School credits.
Statistics Poster Competition:
The Pennsylvania Statistics Poster Competition is hosted by Saint Francis University and
sponsored by mathematics teacher organizations and statistical associations across the state. The
competition offers cash prizes and certificates for first, second, third, and fourth place in each
grade level category (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12) along with certificates for honorable mentions.
The winning posters from the Pennsylvania Competition are then submitted to the National
Statistics Poster Competition.
Teachers from across Pennsylvania are encouraged to incorporate the Statistics Poster
Competition into their classrooms. Collaborative efforts between subjects can be an exciting
way to show how mathematics relates to other subjects such as health, geography, history,
science, etc.
Online registration for the Call for Posters will be available in September 2015. All posters
MUST be registered online and postmarked by midnight on February 28, 2016. Judging will
take place in March and winners will be announced in April of 2015.
General information along with the rules and guidelines for the Pennsylvania Statistics Poster
Competition can be found at www.francis.edu/pa-statistics-poster-competition or by emailing
ScienceOutreach@francis.edu. Pictures of winning posters from previous years are also
available on the web site.
Each of you individually or in a group will be required to prepare a poster for submission to the
statistics poster competition. That will involve gathering original data or analyzing existing data,
and then displaying the data and analysis. The first assignment will be to generate a poster
question to answer using data. More details will follow.