COURSE: JUST 3900TIPS FOR APLIA

Developed By: Ethan Cooper (Lead Tutor)

John LohmanMichael Mattocks

Aubrey Urwick

Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Introduction to StatisticsIntroduction to Statistics

Learning statistics is like learning a Learning statistics is like learning a foreign language: Make notecards to foreign language: Make notecards to

help you learn your key termshelp you learn your key terms

Population (p. 5)Population (p. 5) Sample (p. 6)Sample (p. 6) Variable (p. 6)Variable (p. 6) Parameter (p. 7)Parameter (p. 7) Statistic (p. 7)Statistic (p. 7) Descriptive Statistics (p. 8)Descriptive Statistics (p. 8) Inferential Statistics (p. 9)Inferential Statistics (p. 9) Correlational Method (p. 13)Correlational Method (p. 13) Experimental Method (p.16)Experimental Method (p.16)

More Key Terms: Think NotecardsMore Key Terms: Think Notecards

Independent Variable (p. 16)Independent Variable (p. 16) Dependent Variable (p. 16)Dependent Variable (p. 16) Control Condition (p. 16)Control Condition (p. 16) Experimental Condition (p. 16) Experimental Condition (p. 16) Nonexperimental Studies (p. 17)Nonexperimental Studies (p. 17) Quasi-independent Variable (p. 18)Quasi-independent Variable (p. 18) Constructs (p. 20)Constructs (p. 20) Operational Definition (p. 20)Operational Definition (p. 20)

More Key Terms: Think NotecardsMore Key Terms: Think Notecards

Discrete Variable (p. 21)Discrete Variable (p. 21) Continuous Variable (p. 21)Continuous Variable (p. 21) Real limits (p. 22)Real limits (p. 22) Nominal Scale (p. 23)Nominal Scale (p. 23) Ordinal Scale (p. 23)Ordinal Scale (p. 23) Interval Scale (p. 25)Interval Scale (p. 25) Ratio Scale (p. 25)Ratio Scale (p. 25) Order of Operations (p. 27)Order of Operations (p. 27)

1)1) If a researcher measures the number of text messages that If a researcher measures the number of text messages that each individual high school student sends each day and each individual high school student sends each day and calculates the average number for the entire group of high calculates the average number for the entire group of high school students, the average number would be an example school students, the average number would be an example of a ________. (see p. 11, #1)of a ________. (see p. 11, #1)

2)2) A researcher is interested in how watching a reality TV A researcher is interested in how watching a reality TV show featuring fashion models influences the eating show featuring fashion models influences the eating behavior of 13-year-old girls. (see p. 11, #2)behavior of 13-year-old girls. (see p. 11, #2)a)a) A group of 30 13-year-old girls is selected to participate in a research A group of 30 13-year-old girls is selected to participate in a research

study. The group of 30 13-year-old girls is an example of a study. The group of 30 13-year-old girls is an example of a ________.________.

b)b) In the same study, the amount of food eaten in one day is measured In the same study, the amount of food eaten in one day is measured for each girl and the researcher computes the average score for the for each girl and the researcher computes the average score for the 30 13-year-old girls. The average score is an example of a 30 13-year-old girls. The average score is an example of a _________._________.

Statistics, Population, and Statistics, Population, and SamplesSamples

1)1) Researchers have observed that high school students Researchers have observed that high school students who watched educational television programs as young who watched educational television programs as young children tend to have higher grades than their peers children tend to have higher grades than their peers who did not watch educational television. Is this study who did not watch educational television. Is this study an example of an experiment? Why or why not? (see p. an example of an experiment? Why or why not? (see p. 19, #1)19, #1)

2)2) What two elements are necessary for a research study What two elements are necessary for a research study to be an experiment? (see p. 19, #2)to be an experiment? (see p. 19, #2)

Research MethodsResearch Methods

Loftus and Palmer (1974) conducted an experiment in Loftus and Palmer (1974) conducted an experiment in which participants were shown a video of an automobile which participants were shown a video of an automobile accident. After the video, some participants were asked accident. After the video, some participants were asked to estimate the speed of the cars when they “smashed to estimate the speed of the cars when they “smashed into” each other. Others were asked to estimate the into” each other. Others were asked to estimate the speed when the cars “hit” each other. The “smashed speed when the cars “hit” each other. The “smashed into” group produced significantly higher estimates than into” group produced significantly higher estimates than the “hit” group. Identify the independent and dependent the “hit” group. Identify the independent and dependent variables for this study. (see p. 19, #3)variables for this study. (see p. 19, #3)

Research MethodsResearch Methods

Variables and MeasurementVariables and Measurement

1)1) A survey asks people to identify their age, annual income, A survey asks people to identify their age, annual income, and marital status (single, married, divorced, etc.). For each and marital status (single, married, divorced, etc.). For each of these three variables, identify the scale of measurement of these three variables, identify the scale of measurement that is used and identify whether the variable is continuous that is used and identify whether the variable is continuous or discrete. (see p. 26, #1)or discrete. (see p. 26, #1)

2)2) An English professor uses letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F) An English professor uses letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F) to evaluate a set of student essays. What kind of scale is to evaluate a set of student essays. What kind of scale is being used to measure the quality of the essays? (see p. 26, being used to measure the quality of the essays? (see p. 26, #2)#2)

3)3) The teacher in a communications class asks students to The teacher in a communications class asks students to identify their favorite reality television show. The different identify their favorite reality television show. The different television shows make up what kind of scale? (see p. 26, #3)television shows make up what kind of scale? (see p. 26, #3)

Variables and MeasurementVariables and Measurement

4)4) When measuring height to the nearest inch, what are When measuring height to the nearest inch, what are the real limits for a value of 68 inches? (see p. 26, #5a)the real limits for a value of 68 inches? (see p. 26, #5a)

5)5) When measuring height to the nearest half inch, what When measuring height to the nearest half inch, what are the real limits for a value of 68 inches? ( see p. 26, are the real limits for a value of 68 inches? ( see p. 26, #5b)#5b)

Discrete or Continuous?Discrete or Continuous?

Foot lengthFoot length HeightHeight TimeTime Number of students in JUST 3900Number of students in JUST 3900 WeightWeight Number of siblingsNumber of siblings AgeAge

Discrete or Continuous?Discrete or Continuous?

Foot length, height, weight, age, and time are all Foot length, height, weight, age, and time are all continuous because they are not limited to a fixed set of continuous because they are not limited to a fixed set of separate, individual categories. They can be divided into separate, individual categories. They can be divided into an infinite number of fractional parts. It is always possible an infinite number of fractional parts. It is always possible to find a third point between any two points.to find a third point between any two points. Height and foot length, for instance, can be measured in meters, Height and foot length, for instance, can be measured in meters,

centimeters, and even millimeters.centimeters, and even millimeters. Time and age can be broken down into years, months, days, Time and age can be broken down into years, months, days,

hours, seconds, or milliseconds.hours, seconds, or milliseconds. When two people say they each weigh 150 lbs., what they likely When two people say they each weigh 150 lbs., what they likely

mean is that they each weigh mean is that they each weigh aboutabout 150 lbs. There are an infinite 150 lbs. There are an infinite number of possibilities between 149 lbs. and 150 lbs. and 150 lbs. number of possibilities between 149 lbs. and 150 lbs. and 150 lbs. and 151 lbs. that would more accurately describe their respective and 151 lbs. that would more accurately describe their respective weights.weights.

Discrete or Continuous?Discrete or Continuous?

The number of students enrolled in JUST 3900 and the The number of students enrolled in JUST 3900 and the number of siblings one has are both discrete variables. number of siblings one has are both discrete variables. They consist of separate, indivisible categories. They consist of separate, indivisible categories. Typically, discrete variables consist of whole, countable Typically, discrete variables consist of whole, countable numbers. No values exist in between.numbers. No values exist in between. For instance, there may be 100 students enrolled in JUST 3900, For instance, there may be 100 students enrolled in JUST 3900,

or one may have 7 siblings, but there cannot be 99.5 students or or one may have 7 siblings, but there cannot be 99.5 students or 7.5 siblings.7.5 siblings.

Order of OperationsOrder of Operations

ParenthesesParentheses ExponentsExponents Multiplication/Division (in order from left to right)Multiplication/Division (in order from left to right) SummationSummation Addition/Subtraction (in order from left to right)Addition/Subtraction (in order from left to right)

Order of OperationsOrder of Operations

1)1) Calculate each value requested for the following scores: Calculate each value requested for the following scores: 6,2,4,2. (see p. 30, #1a-e)6,2,4,2. (see p. 30, #1a-e)a)a) ΣXΣX

b)b) ΣXΣX2

c) (ΣXΣX)2

d)d) Σ(X-2Σ(X-2)

e)e) Σ(X-2Σ(X-2)2

2)2) Identify the first step in each of the following Identify the first step in each of the following calculations. (see p. 30, #2a-c)calculations. (see p. 30, #2a-c)a)a) ΣXΣX2

b) (ΣXΣX)2

c)c) Σ(X-2Σ(X-2)2

Summation NotationSummation Notation

1)1) Use summation notation to express each of the Use summation notation to express each of the following. (see p. 30, #3a-c)following. (see p. 30, #3a-c)

a)a) Add 4 points to each score and then add the resulting values.Add 4 points to each score and then add the resulting values.

b)b) Add the scores and then square the total.Add the scores and then square the total.

c)c) Square each score, then add the squared values.Square each score, then add the squared values.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsFAQsFAQs

How do I pass this class?How do I pass this class?1)1) Read the chapters before lectures on Monday.Read the chapters before lectures on Monday.

2)2) Complete Aplia tutorials/practice questions in preparation for Complete Aplia tutorials/practice questions in preparation for in-class exercises on Wednesday.in-class exercises on Wednesday.

3)3) Finish in-class exercises Wednesday night (or at least by Finish in-class exercises Wednesday night (or at least by Friday before class).Friday before class).

4)4) Come to tutoring on Thursday.Come to tutoring on Thursday.

5)5) Review the answer key to the in-class exercises before Review the answer key to the in-class exercises before completing the graded portion of Aplia.completing the graded portion of Aplia.

6)6) Never take a homework free holiday! (Towards the end of the Never take a homework free holiday! (Towards the end of the semester this will make more sense)semester this will make more sense)

7)7) Do not wait until the last minute to complete Aplia!Do not wait until the last minute to complete Aplia!

8)8) Always bring slides to class and take notes.Always bring slides to class and take notes.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsFAQsFAQs

What should I expect on the tests?What should I expect on the tests?a)a) Tests will consist of Tests will consist of approximatelyapproximately 30-45 multiple choice 30-45 multiple choice

questions.questions.

b)b) The final exam will consist of 60 or more multiple choice The final exam will consist of 60 or more multiple choice questions.questions.

c)c) The material covered on the test will include knowledge of The material covered on the test will include knowledge of concepts,concepts, definitions, and formulas (know your terms)definitions, and formulas (know your terms)..

d)d) Strictly speaking, the tests are not cumulative. Each exam will Strictly speaking, the tests are not cumulative. Each exam will only cover 3 chapters.only cover 3 chapters. However, statistics is a course that builds on the foundation that was laid in However, statistics is a course that builds on the foundation that was laid in

past chapters. If you do not understand chapters 1-3, you will not grasp past chapters. If you do not understand chapters 1-3, you will not grasp chapters 4-6. chapters 4-6. “A small error in the beginning leads to a large error in the “A small error in the beginning leads to a large error in the end.” Aristotleend.” Aristotle

e)e) Any tables required for the test (e.g., the tables in the Any tables required for the test (e.g., the tables in the textbook’s appendices) will be provided by Dr. Kerbs.textbook’s appendices) will be provided by Dr. Kerbs.

What is it Really Like to be a What is it Really Like to be a JUST3900 Student?JUST3900 Student?

Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs: Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs: FACT OR FICTIONFACT OR FICTION Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs is a demanding experience. Taking JUST3900 with Dr. Kerbs is a demanding experience. FACTFACT

Dr. Kerbs does expect a great deal from his students -- he wants you to understand Dr. Kerbs does expect a great deal from his students -- he wants you to understand and preferably master the course material. However, he provides you with every and preferably master the course material. However, he provides you with every resource to excel in his class: PowerPoint slides, in-class exercises with a detailed resource to excel in his class: PowerPoint slides, in-class exercises with a detailed explanation of each problem, a great text book, office hours, and tutoring services. explanation of each problem, a great text book, office hours, and tutoring services. He gives you the tools to succeed in understanding and applying course content. He gives you the tools to succeed in understanding and applying course content. That said, you need to do your part as well: Read before each class, attend each That said, you need to do your part as well: Read before each class, attend each class and take notes, review your notes between classes, complete all homework class and take notes, review your notes between classes, complete all homework assignments, ask questions, and study for each test.assignments, ask questions, and study for each test.

Getting extra help is difficult. Getting extra help is difficult. FICTIONFICTION Dr. Kerbs is very approachable on all levels. First, he wants students to ask Dr. Kerbs is very approachable on all levels. First, he wants students to ask

questions in class and during office hours. If you’re asking questions, it means that questions in class and during office hours. If you’re asking questions, it means that you are trying to learn the material: This is a good thing! You can always expect that you are trying to learn the material: This is a good thing! You can always expect that Dr. Kerbs will take your questions and requests for help seriously, and he will always Dr. Kerbs will take your questions and requests for help seriously, and he will always treat you with respect and courtesy. Second, he holds office hours every week and treat you with respect and courtesy. Second, he holds office hours every week and is available by appointment. He is known for diligently helping students because he is available by appointment. He is known for diligently helping students because he really does want you to succeed.really does want you to succeed.