Course overview
In today's world, good decision making relies on data and data analysis. This course helps students develop the understanding that they will need to make informed decisions using data and to communicate the results effectively. The course is an introduction to the essential concepts, tools and methods of statistics for students in business, economics and similar disciplines, though these tools are also useful in many other real-world settings. The focus is on concepts, reasoning, interpretation, and thinking that build upon computation, formulae and theory. Students will be required to clearly and effectively communicate and visualize their ideas, analyses, and results. The course covers two main branches of statistical data analysis: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics includes data collection, exploration, and interpretation through numerical and graphical techniques such as charts and visual representations. Inferential statistics includes the selection and application of correct and suitable statistical techniques in order to make estimates or test claims about data based on a sample. By the end of this course, students should understand and know how to use statistics in real-world settings. Students will also develop some understanding of the limitations and misuse of statistical inference as well as the ethics of data analysis and statistics.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply correctly a variety of statistical techniques, both descriptive and inferential.
- Interpret, in plain language, the application and outcomes of statistical techniques.
- Interpret computer output and use it to solve problems.
- Recognize inappropriate use or interpretation of statistics in other courses, in the media and in life in general and comment critically on the appropriateness of this use of statistics.