Transferable
Skills Assessment
The following transferable skills will specifically be utilized and assessed in Introduction to Statistical Theory. Where appropriate, the assessment technique is indicated. If not stated, the assessment is assumed to be accomplished by a paper and pencil test.
B.
The student should be able to recognize and use multiple ways of
thinking.
Students will demonstrate the ability to use
probabilistic reasoning by correctly identifying Type I and Type II errors and
by correctly distinguishing the power and significance of a statistical test
when presented a real-life case.
C.
The student should be able to
understand the creative process (planning, experimenting, implementing, and
evaluating).
Students will correctly identify the nature of a statistical study
distinguishing between descriptive and inferential studies when presented with
a statistical abstract from a recognized journal.
A.
The student should be able to ask relevant questions.
Students will make appropriate critiques of
quantitative displays of information, experimental design and statistical
conclusions. These will be done
respectively through self-selected graphics from the Tufte books, a self-selected
statistical abstract and a class presentation of a case study.
B.
The student should be able to distinguish among fact, opinion, and
judgment.
Students will distinguish between descriptive
uses of statistcal and inferential ones and distinguish between parameters (
facts) and statistics (random variables). They will also distinguish between
observational studies and designed experiments.
D.
The student should be able to understand and apply the Scientific
Method.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of
how scientific studies make use of statistics.
They will do this by correctly
identifying and using the terms of
experimental design: replication,
experimental unit, factorial design and block design etc.
A.
The student should be able to define the purpose and goals of a
scholarly investigation.
B.
The student should be able to evaluate and use available sources of
information.
Students will independently locate archived
data on the internet relevant to a study of their choice. They will evaluate its reliability and
integrity and use it for independent statistical analysis.
C.
The student should be able to prepare and deliver effective oral
presentations.
Students will present in class one case study. They will utilize appropriate graphics prepared using statistical software
and speak confidently and authoritatively about their original work.
D. The student should be able to defend a position, a point of view, or an interpretation.
Students will be questioned orally by their peers and the instructor on their class presentation and defend their point of view or conclusions.
A.
The student should be able to understand and use basic algebraic
concepts and applications.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of statistical formulas including summation notation. When presented with a formula they will demonstrate that they could apply it if asked.
B.
The student should be able to recognize the order, logic, precision,
and terminology of mathematics.
Students will demonstrate the lack of precision in statistical reasoning and be able to identify the assumptions needed to perform inferential tests of hypotheses.
C.
The student should be able to collect, organize, and use information.
Student
will develop a mastery of the use of statistical software (Minitab) to organize
and display information.
E. The student should be able to understand
relations and functions.
Students
will recognize he mean and standard deviation of a sample as a function of a random variable.. They
will appreciate the central limit theorem of statistics as a statement about
random variables.
A.
The student should be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading
competently in the various disciplines.
B. The student should be able to develop and apply flexible techniques in skimming, scanning, and reading, especially for textbooks and research materials.
.
D.
The student should be able to interact and cooperatively work with
others.
Students will work in groups in laboratory exercises and demonstrate a willingness and an ability to provide and accept help and information.
A.
The student should be able to accurately use the terminology of
computer technology.
B.
The student should be able to understand the functions and uses of
computer technology.
Students will independently read and use help functions to master Minitab statistical software. They will access appropriate data over the internet and use the textbook websites of practice testing and simulations. They will be judged by the sophistication of their work and by observation in the laboratory environment.
C.
The student should be able to use technology to access information.
D.
The student should be able to use various software programs needed for
major areas of study relevant to course work.
Students will present a case study using appropriate
visuals developed using Minitab software.
A.
The student should be able to write effectively (correctly,
competently, confidently, coherently, creatively, and critically).
Students will be prompted for brief, succinct
written responses on some testing situations and lab reports. These writing samples will be critiqued for coherence,
relevance and accuracy.