Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Statistical Reasoning (Face-to-Face)

MATH 1031-01

Course: MATH 1031-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MATH
CRN: 31605

Course Description

An exploration of basic statistical concepts with a focus on developing critical reasoning skills. Students will represent data, calculate probabilities, draw conclusions using statistical tools, and critique statistical studies and data collection methods. Topics include descriptive statistics, basic probability, statistical graphs, experimental design, and an introduction to statistical inference. Appropriate for many non-quantitative majors, the course is designed to develop statistical literacy and involves limited algebraic manipulation. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 0970 or MATH 0990 or MATH 1010 or adequate test score within the last two (2) years - Prerequisite Min. Grade: B- (MATH 0970, MATH 0990), C (MATH 1010) Prerequisite Test: ACT Math Subscore or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra or ALEKS PPL - Prerequisite Test Score: 21 or 085 or 40 Registration Restriction(s): None General Education Category: Quantitative Literacy

Required Texts

Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life, by Bennett, Briggs, Triola, ISBN 978-0134701363

You are required to purchase access to the MyLab online system for this course.  You will automatically be given access through the Inclusive Access program, and a charge will be placed on your student account.  If you choose to opt out of Inclusive Access, you will be required to purchase access to MyLab through other means.

You are not required to purchase a physical copy of the textbook.  A digital copy of the textbook is included in your online access to MyLab.  If you wish to buy a physical copy of the textbook, copies are available through the SUU Bookstore or online.  (Bundling is available, so if you want a print copy of the textbook, it may be cheapest to buy the book and the online access together.)

We will use Microsoft Excel for some topics in this course.  SUU students have free access to Excel through Office 365.  Click here to register.  Excel is also available on most on-campus computers.  If you have a laptop, you are welcome to bring it to class.  This is not required, but may be helpful.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Read and analyze research papers, using statistical techniques to explain project results. 
  2. Analyze papers for possible experimental design flaws.
  3. Create and interpret graphs of data.
  4. Calculate descriptive statistics of data sets.
  5. Interpret probabilities. 
  6. Analyze data sets for correlation.
  7. Construct confidence intervals for population means and interpret confidence interval results. 
  8. Calculate P-values and use them to interpret the results of experimental projects.

Course Requirements

Homework:  The principal purpose of homework is for you to learn and practice mathematical concepts.  Please do homework with the purpose of learning, not just to get points. If you do homework too quickly or take too many shortcuts while completing homework, you will probably not perform well on tests.

Homework assignments will be completed using MyLab.  The first time you attempt to open an assignment, it will prompt you to create an account.  Homework assignments can be accessed by clicking on "Modules" or "Assignments" in the Canvas course menu.

Due dates for assignments are listed in Canvas/MyLab.  In general, assignments are due one class day after the corresponding section is covered in class.  Assignments that are completed after the due date will receive reduced credit.

Even though homework assignments are submitted online, students are encouraged to write out relevant work by hand on paper as they complete the online assignments.

Discussion Assignments: Several weeks will include discussion assignments.  These assignments will include responding to prompts and posting your responses to a discussion board.  You will then be expected to reply to other students' posts to discuss that week's topics.

Your initial post should be posted by Friday of the week, and your replies/discussions should be made by the following Monday.

Tests: There will be five unit tests throughout the course.  These will be completed online through Canvas/MyLab. Students are required to complete every test.  No test scores will be dropped.  A printable schedule can be found on Canvas.  Plan ahead to make sure you take the tests on these days.  No make-up tests will be given without prior arrangement.  A score of zero will be given on missed tests.

In general, students will take tests in the Testing Center (ELC 209).  Visit the Testing Center's website for hours and policies.

Final Project: In place of a final exam, you will complete a final project. This project will involve designing, implementing, and analyzing a statistical study. The project will be broken up into steps throughout the course, so watch the schedule for due dates of associated component assignments. More information on the final project can be found on Canvas.

Course Outline

Unit 1
Unit 1 will cover Chapters 1 and 2
1.1
Distinguish between populations and samples
Distinguish between parameters and statistics
Interpret confidence intervals and margin of error
1.2
Identify sampling methods
Determine whether a sample is likely representative or biased
1.3
Understand experimental design concepts like control and treatment groups, confounding variables, placebo and placebo effect, and blinding
Identify problems in an experiment
1.4
Understand the Eight Guidelines (p 30) and use them to identify problems in a statistical study
2.1
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
Distinguish between discrete and continuous data
Identify levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio)
2.2
Distinguish between random and systematic errors
Distinguish between accuracy and precision

Unit 2
Unit 2 will cover Chapters 3 and 4.
3.1
Construct and interpret frequency tables, including relative and cumulative frequencies
3.2
Construct and interpret bar graphs, dotplots, pie charts, histograms, stemplots, line charts, and time-series graphs
3.3
Construct and interpret multiple bar graphs, multiple line charts, and stack plots
3.4
Identify how a graph might be misleading
4.1
Find and compare mean, median, and mode
Calculate a weighted mean
4.2
Describe distributions using modes, symmetry, skewness, and variation
4.3
Calculate range and standard deviation
Calculate percentiles
4.4
Read data in a two-way table
Analyze data that may exhibit a paradox
Analyze data that involve false positives and false negatives

Unit 3
Test 3 will cover Chapters 6 and 7.
6.2
Understand basic concepts of probability
Distinguish between theoretical probabilities, relative frequency probabilities, and subjective probabilities
Find theoretical probabilities using counting rules
6.3
Understand the Law of Large Numbers
Understand the Gambler's Fallacy
Calculate and interpret expected value
6.4
Interpret situations involving risk and life expectancy
Analyze data involving vital statistics and life expectancy
6.5
Distinguish between independent and dependent events
Identify overlapping events
Find probabilities for independent, dependent, and overlapping events
Find probabilities of events involving the words "and" and "or"
7.1
Understand the difference between correlation and causality
Distinguish between positive and negative correlation
Calculate and interpret r-values for linear correlations
Construct and interpret scatterplots
7.2
Identify outliers and interpret their effects on a correlation
Describe correlations and their possible causes
7.3
Understand best-fit lines and how to use them to make predictions
Construct a best-fit line on a scatterplot
7.4

Evaluate claims about causality

Unit 4
Unit 4 will cover Chapters 5 and 8.
5.1
Understand concepts related to the normal distribution
Determine if a variable is normally distributed
5.2
Calculate and interpret standard scores
Use the 68-95-99.7 Rule to find the percentage for a given range of values
Use Excel or tables to find probabilities/areas under a normal distribution
5.3
Understand concepts related to the Central Limit Theorem
Use the CLT to find the mean and standard deviation of a distribution of sample means
Apply the CLT to find probabilities/percentages related to a distribution of sample means
8.1
Construct and interpret sampling distributions for the sample mean or the sample proportion
Use sampling distributions to find probabilities
8.2
Find and interpret confidence intervals for population means
Find sample size needed for a desired margin of error
8.3
Find and interpret confidence intervals for population proportions
Find sample size needed for a desired margin of error

Unit 5
Unit 5 will cover section 6.1, Chapter 9, and sections 10.2 and 10.3.
6.1
Understand the concept of a statistically significant result
Identify results that are statistically significant
9.1
Understand concepts and definitions related to hypothesis testing and statistical significance
Formulate null and alternative hypotheses
9.2
Distinguish between Type I errors and Type II errors
Test claims about population means, including calculating the z-test statistic, calculating the P-value, and drawing and interpreting a conclusion
9.3
Test claims about population proportions, including calculating the z-test statistic, calculating the P-value, and drawing and interpreting a conclusion
10.2
Understand hypothesis tests for two-way tables (test for independence)
Perform a test for independence using a two-way table, including calculating expected frequencies, calculating the chi-square statistic, and drawing and interpreting a conclusion
10.3
Understand and analyze one-way ANOVA tests
Use Excel to run an ANOVA test
Read P-values and F-values from an ANOVA output table, and draw and interpret a conclusion

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Online homework assignments that are completed after the due date will receive reduced credit.

Plan ahead to make sure you take tests on the assigned days.  No make-up tests will be given without prior arrangement.  A score of zero will be given on missed tests.

Attendance Policy

This is a face-to-face class; it is not an online or remote course.  In-person attendance is expected.  Plan on being in class every class day. If you do not intend to attend regularly, you should not take this class. If it is occasionally necessary for you to miss class, you are responsible for reviewing the material covered in class that day.  You are encouraged to contact other students in the class to find out what you missed and if any announcements were made in class.  It is your responsibility to be aware of test dates and due dates for assignments.

Course Fees

$8.25

Use of Generative AI

For this course, students are expected to submit their own original work for assignments.  In the same way that students should not turn in work copied from another student or a tutor, students should not turn in assignments created using generative Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.  Although the use of these types of tools may be allowed in other classes or are used professionally, this class will focus on learning mathematics without the aid of generative AI.  Any perceived improper use of generative AI will be investigated for possible submission to the university as scholastic dishonesty.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.