Statistics 200 Honors
Elementary Statistics
Fall 1999
Final Project
Due date: December 7, 1999
Choice of topic due by Nov. 3, 1999
- You will choose either to write a paper
to turn in or give a 10-15 minute presentation in class sometime in December.
- You may work with one other person if you wish, but no more than that.
Of course, you then share a grade with that person.
- You will choose the topic yourself, but I need to approve all topics.
You should check your topic with me before November 3, 1999.
- If you do not have an idea and you do not find any of the
suggested
topics appealing, please come and talk to me. We'll think of
something.
- Your intended audience, whether you write a paper or give a presentation,
is this class--that is, people with some basic knowledge of
statistics but without specialized knowledge about your chosen topic.
Grading guidelines
The 20-point grade for the project will be broken down as follows:
- Half of the grade will be for the mechanics of your project.
- 5 points will be given for any acceptable project. Basically, if you
hand something in, these points are automatic unless what you
hand in is really not final project material. (This is to
prevent people from simply giving up if things aren't going
well.)
- 5 points will be given for the writing/communicating style. I won't
focus on grammar or spelling (unless they're horrendous), but I
expect you to take the communication part of this assignment
seriously. After all, communicating your ideas, even statistical
ones, well is vital if you ever want to influence people. Expect
to receive most points here if what you say is coherent; expect
to receive all 5 points if what you say is persuasive as well.
- The other half of the grade will be for the content of the project.
- 5 points will be given for the quality of the statistical content.
Did you demonstrate a
mastery of the relevant statistical concepts from the class?
Were all relevant statistical issues addressed? Did you put some
effort into learning new statistical methodology? Have you
thought about the limitations of the statistical methods you
used, and can you find evidence of any such limitations?
- 5 points will be given for the quality of the subject-matter content.
Have you presented your topic in an understandable manner? Have
you made it interesting? Have
you included all necessary background needed by an
unsophisticated audience? If the topic itself is statistical in
nature, how thoroughly do you explain the new statistical material?
dhunter@stat.psu.edu
Last modified: November 23, 1999