Statistics
Economics 91
Spring 2008

Course Description

Syllabus

Statistics Web Sites

Problem Sets

Practice Problems

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to probability and statistics with emphasis on topics that are central to the study of econometrics. We will begin with descriptive statistics, probability distributions and expected values. We will learn how to make statistical inferences and tests of significance. At the end of the semester we will study classical models of bivariate and multivariate regressions. This will allow us to test various economic theories about how the world works. The aim is to provide you with sufficient knowledge of statistical and econometric theory to make you an effective consumer of empirical research in the social sciences.

There are no prerequisites for the class. Though this is not a math class, statistics can not be discussed in a meaningful way without the use of a lot of graphs and algebra. It may be good to review your knowledge in these areas. Some knowledge of basic calculus is always helpful, but not at all necessary for the course. The course is designed to prepare students for Economics 125, Econometrics.

Requirements for the course will include class attendance, five problem sets, two midterm exams, and a final exam. The problem sets will serve as excellent practice for the exams. They will be posted on the web. Students are encouraged to do additional problems in the textbook. The midterm exams will be on Thursday 28 February and Thursday 10 April. The final exam will be given in the morning of Thursday 15 May. The problem sets will count for 30%, each midterm exam for 20% and the final exam for 30% of the final grade.

The main textbook for the course is Anderson, Sweeney, & Williams, Essentials of Statistics for Business and Economics, 4th edition, South-Western, 2006. This textbook is required and available at Huntley Bookstore along with an optional workbook.

If any material is ever unclear, or even if everything is perfectly clear, please come chat with me about statistics, economics or anything for that matter. If you have a short question, please feel free to call me. For longer and better explanations, come by my office during office hours or make an appointment to see me at your convenience. I can be reached at the following:

Office:  Fletcher 216
Office Hours: Mondays 3:30-5:00pm, Wednesdays 8:30-10:00am, and by appointment
Phone:  607-3769
Email  lyamane@pitzer.edu.

Syllabus

            Descriptive Statistics: Tabular and Graphical Presentations                                                 Ch 2

            Descriptive Statistics: Numerical Measures                                                                        Ch 3

            Introduction to Probability                                                                                                 Ch 4

            Discrete Probability Distributions                                                                                       Ch 5

            Continuous Probability Distributions                                                                                   Ch 6

            Sampling and Sampling Distributions                                                                                  Ch 7

            Interval Estimation                                                                                                             Ch 8

            Hypothesis Tests                                                                                                               Ch 9

            Comparisons Involving Means                                                                                         Ch 10

            Comparisons Involving Proportions                                                                                 Ch 11

            Simple Linear Regression                                                                                                Ch 12

            Multiple Regression                                                                                                         Ch 13

Statistics Web Sites

Problem Sets

Problem Set #1  Due Thursday 7 February

Problem Set #2  Due Thursday 21 February Keno

Problem Set #3  Due Thursday 13 March

Problem Set #4  Due Thursday 3 April

Problem Set #5  Due Thursday 1 May

Practice Problems