Statistics I

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module 1BPSW-09 Semester: 1st and 2nd semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 60,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 20,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Peter Thijssen Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st and/or 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties degree secondary education   *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) - to have a good grasp of the basic statistical instruments - to be able to adequately read and construct statistical graphs and tables - to be able to compute and evaluate the major univariate and bivariate statistics - to understand the logic and the restrictions of inductive statistics 3. Course content Everyone who wants to gain insight in quantitative data sets needs a proper grasp of at least the essentials of statistical reasoning.  This course gives a general introduction in the basic principles of judicious statistical thinking.   Firstly, we will situate the role of statistics in the broad field of social scientific research.  Secondly, the course will cover the main topics in two important areas of statistical analysis: descriptive and inductive statistics.  The descriptive part of the course starts with the exploration of univariate empirical distributions at different measurement levels and subsequently moves on to statistical methods that learn us something about the relationships between several variables.  The inductive part of the course introduces the student in the logic of probability and theoretical distributions.  Finally we will give attention to the estimation of population characteristics based on findings from samples. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Exercise sessions Personal work: Exercises 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, without oral presentation Closed book Open questions 6. Compulsory reading – study material - Thijssen, Peter (2006) Van beschrijving naar inzicht. Inleiding in de statistiek, Leuven/Leusden: Acco. - Cursus Statistiek I. Aanvullingen: Verklarende statistiek, Acco - supplementary texts and exercises 'Statistaken' available on 'Blackboard'. 7. Recommended reading - study material Nihil. 8. Tutoring After class and by appointment. laatste aanpassing: last update: 25/07/2011 15:14 peter.thijssen