FOUD0207: FOUNDATIONS OF STATISTICS (TB2)

• None.

• None.

• Numerical Skills and Research Methods for Social Scientists (FOUN0321).

• To introduce and develop understanding of basic statistical principles to provide a foundation for future study.
• To develop understanding of application of statistics to develop students' learning skills.
• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in statistics.

• Statistics: Sampling - Distinctions between sample and population, Need for randomness in selecting a sample.
• Tabulation - Discrete/continuous data, Tally charts, frequency and grouped frequency tables, Class intervals and Implications of grouping.
• Representation - Bar Charts, Pie Charts, Histograms, Recognising visual misrepresentation.
• Measures of location - Mean and mode for raw data and frequency distribution, Median for raw data.
• Measures of Spread - Range, Quartiles, Inter-quartile range, Variance, standard deviation for raw data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency.
• Correlation - Scatter diagrams +ve, -ve, or lack of correlation, line of best fit (by eye) through (x,y), interpolation and extrapolation.
• Tests - Chi squared, Normal distribution, Contingency tables.
• Probability - Venn diagrams.
• Range 0-1, impossible to certainty, Probabilities of equally likely events, Probability as a limit to relative frequency.
• Simple Addition and Multiplication of probabilities as appropriate, Tree diagrams.
• Introduction to computer use for statistics.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of different forms of sampling, tabulation and visual representation
• Understanding of the distinctions and implications of using different forms of sampling, tabulation and visual representation
• Knowledge of calculations required for measures of central location, spread, correlation and significance testing
• Understanding of implications and appropriateness of use of different measures
• Knowledge of probability, including calculations of equally likely events and simple addition and multiplication as appropriate
• Knowledge of some probability diagrams including Tree diagrams, Venn diagrams and probability space tables.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of the module the students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• use a calculator appropriately in relation to problems faced.
• use a computer appropriately in relation to problems faced.
• carry out a range of statistical procedures as listed on the attached syllabus.
• conduct a survey and analyse results statistically.

Key Skills:

• By the end of the module the students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
• Research project tests: SSK1, SSK2, SSk3, SSk4, SSS1, SSS2, SSS3, SSS4, KS1, KS2.,
• Test tests: SSK1, SSK2, SSk3, SSk4, SSK5, SSK6, SSS1, SSS3, , KS1, KS2.

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during tutorials and students' own time.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts and techniques will be tested in the module test.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts and teachniques will also be consolidated and assessed by the project and the other coursework task.
• Design, implementation and statistical analysis of surveys will be consolidated and assessed through the independent production of the projects.

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