Online resources for the textbook-Chapter 1:
http://bcs.whfreeman.com/tps4e/#t_628644
(glosssary, online quiz!!!!!)
October 14, 2011
We're starting a formal pass through Chapter 1. Today we looked at qualitative (categorical) and quantitative (numerical) data. We split the numerical data into ordinal, interval, and ratio variables. We also looked at a few graphs. HW due Monday 1.3, 1.6, 1.12, and 1.14. (or was it 1.16?)
For Wednesday the 17th have four recently-published graphs that are examples of a bar graph, a histogram, a cumulative frequency graph, and a scatterplot. Collect enough information so you can explain why that type of graph is appropriate and what the graph shows. Wikipedia graphs, graphs from professors' websites, and graphs from other "encyclopedic" sources are not acceptable. Instead, find articles that discuss data and include one of these type of graphs. Pick topics that are interesting. Follow the news, the economy, sports, medicine, or some other topic that you would be interested in studying.
Monday October 17, 2011
Some students did not do the homework assigned on Friday. If you are one of those, then you have the following homework in addition to the regular homework: 1.3, 1.6, 1.12, 1.14, 1.23, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.38.
The homework for everybody: 1,27, 1,28, and 1.34
About Minitab's stem and leaf graphs: (Page 47)
The first column represents a cumulative count. It is the count from the top or the bottom of the number of observations including that line. The line containing the median is the line with the count in parentheses.
Today we reviewed bar graphs and histograms, learned how to create relative frequency graphs and cumulative frequency (and cumulative relative frequency) plots.
We used the REAL formula for the mean of a population: Sum of (x * P(x))
We reviewed the REAL formula for the std dev of a population: SQRT(Sum of ((x-mu)^2 * P(X))
If you have questions, your first move should be to read the textbook. Please don't waste your time waiting for something to be explained in class when you have an excellent resource in front of you!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
You did a much better job completing the homework for today. Those of you who did not have homework either of the days will need to complete ALL of the assigned homework AND serve a homework detention next Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30.
Some of you still have not taken the test from last Thursday. Your final opportunity will be THursday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:25 in Room 214. Tests will not be returned until these make-ups are complete.
For Wednesday, remember to bring in your graphs of a bar graph, a histogram, a cumulative frequency plot, and a scatterplot. You will need to write about the graph, so make sure that you know what it means. You must choose graphs that come from REAL articles, not from wikipedia or any other encyclopedia-type documents.
For Monday, October 24, you need to complete the following problems: 1.39, 1.40, 1.43, 1.45, 1.46, 1.50, 1.54, 1.56, 1.57. Some of them are really quick. WHen it asks you to compute a mean and standard deviation using the formula, you have to show all the work. You cannot just use 1-var statistics.
The textbook is a valuable resource. Use it frequently. Read the sections prior to the questions. There are excellent examples that you may find useful. Bring it to class every day through Monday.
Tuesday's lesson covered calculating standard deviations, finding the mean and standard deviation of transformed variables (like finding the mean and standard deviation of y when you know the average mand standard deviation of x and the formula for y in terms of x), and the effect of outliers on the mean. We have, therefore, completed Chapter 1.
I will plan to be at CiCi's on Sunday.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Test on Chapter 1 is Thursday, October 27th. You've been preparing in class for this test for nearly two weeks. It's time to prepare outside of class.
Well, a lot of people did not do the homework assigned before I left--only 9 problems! We went over the linear transformations portion in class on Monday. No homework was assigned on Monday so everybody could get caught up. Based on many of the quiz grades from today, it looks like some people are waiting until Wednesday night to prepare for Thursday's test. Can you imagine?
The quiz today touched on the mechanics of summary statistics: calculating a sample standard deviation, linear transformations of random variables, and creating a modified box and whisker plot. I'll give them back on Wednesday. It was out of three points in the minor assessment category. People with excused absences will have an "exempt" for this quiz, but unexcused absences will result in a zero. Hey, the first period band kids were even here for the quiz after their lat night at exhibition. You really need to be in class every day, folks.
Class today centered on interpretation of graphs. We looked at the problems from 2004 and 2008's exams, part of the assignment from last Thursday. The problems required students to create boxplots, compare and contrast them, interpret a linear transformation of one of the variables in a boxplot, and estimate where the mean would fall based on the position of the median and the shape of the distribution.
Friday's assignment from last week was a study guide to complete using the general topics from the chapter. By now you all should have completed your first pass through the terms and concepts and should be starting another. You should be re-doing the homeworks assigned and working problems from the chapter review.
All of these assignments and activities lead up to the expectations of the test. On the test you will need to create graphs, compute summary statistics, transform random variables, and perform other skills-based tasks. You will need to interpret graphs and summary statistics. The vocabulary of the chapter will be important. Use your words wisely. You will be asked to synthesize ideas. You are expected to use technology appropriately and to explain your work. You will show your work.
Thursday, October 27
The test was today. If you missed it, you need to make it up Tuesday morning at 7:15 in room 214.
HW: bring in the count of Facebook friends that you have. Next up: Measures of relative position and the Normal distribution.
