Cary Academy – Advanced Statistics MTH500

Overview

To a certain extent, Advanced Statistics can be viewed as “grey math”. Most mathematics courses like Algebra
and Calculus are black and white – your solution to a particular problem is either right or wrong. Statistics is
interpretive. Based on the student’s knowledge of statistical analysis, what does the data mean? While there
is often no perfect solution, there is a best solution. In this way at times statistics can at resemble a social
studies course.

Simon King
Teacher of Advanced Statistics

Course Outline

This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools of statistics. Students will be
exposed to several broad conceptual themes such as exploring data, planning a study, modeling and
anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students will learn standard statistical terms and techniques
through multimedia presentation of real world cases. They will also perform their own data analysis and
research using such sources as the Internet and real world mentors. Students will also be required to
communicate their analysis through formal writing assignments. Technology will be an integral part of the
course as students will be expected to use statistical software, spreadsheets, presentational software, and
the TI-83 calculator to perform their analyses, present their findings, and investigate topics visually. Most
students in this course choose to sit for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Statistics.

Aim of Advanced Statistics

Help students learn to think critically about claims which invoke data.

Objectives of Advanced Statistics

• To explore and analyze data by observing patterns and departures from patterns.
• To interpret information from graphical and numerical displays and summaries.
• To develop plans to collect, organize, and analyze data.
• To gain an understanding of probability theory and its use in statistical analysis.
• To apply appropriate statistical models and tests to analyze and infer information from data.
• To apply appropriate technology to solve statistical problems.
Topic Outline
7.Sampling Distributions
• Sample proportions
FIRST TRIMESTER • Sample Means
• Central Limit Theorem
1.Data Collection
• Census
• Sample
THIRD TRIMESTER
• Experimental Design
• Simulating Experiments
8.Confidence Intervals
• Estimating population parameters

2.Normal Distribution
• Density Curves
9.Tests of Significance
• Standard Normal Distribution
• Overview
• Sample test for proportions
• Sample test for means
3.Bivariate Data
• Sample test for differences in parameters
• Scatterplots and relationships
• Chi-square test for
• Least-Squares Regression
o Goodness of fit
• Transforming Relationships
o Homogeneity of proportions
• Categorical Variables
o Independence
• Causation
• Test for the slope of a least-squares regression
line

4.Probability
• Basic concepts
• Simulation and expectation

SECOND TRIMESTER
Integrated Topic - Exploring Data:
5.Random Variables • Graphical displays
• Discrete and continuous • Interpretation and comparision of univariate
• Means and variances data
• Center and spread

6.Distributions
• Binomial
• Geometric
Course Learning Resources

Teaching statistics at a well resourced school like Cary Academy provides an opportunity to challenge
how statistics is taught. Therefore, the learning resources are (but not limited to):
• Textbook: The Practice of Statistics, 3rd Edition, Yates, Moore and Starnes. W. H. Freeman and
Company, 2006.
• Computers:
o Microsoft Excel
o Fathom
• Other resources
o Activity Based Statistics
o Internet

Student Assessment

All assessments will have the same weighting unless otherwise announced. For example, a project
might have a weighting of three (i.e. worth the same as three homework and/or test grades)

Homework Expectations

Homework will usually be set very day and will be around 45 minutes in length. Completing homework
is as crucial as attending class. Homework is an extension of class time, where students think about,
practice and apply concepts learnt in class.

Expectations for class preparation and behavior

Academic and social learning are both crucial at Cary Academy as students prepare for college. If a
student works on the following skills, they will not only be successful at Advanced Statistics, but they
create a foundation for future success.
o Courage – take risks with your learning. Be prepared to make mistakes and learn.
o Competence – the basics: stay organized, prepare for tests and meet work deadlines
o Humility – this gives us the ability to collaborate, listen, reflect and be lifelong learners
o Honesty – Cary Academy is committed to academic integrity and honor

Late Work Policy

Academic penalties will be imposed for late work in order to uphold fairness. Penalties will be
discussed with the students and will vary according to the assignment.

Course Make-up Work

Students will be required to make-up work for absences. When a students is absent they need to
communicate with the teacher to find out what work is to be caught up on and the deadline for
catching-up.