From the first class we're going to zoom along! So you should get a head start before the semester begins. Two main things:
· Review basic stats
· Figure out the basics of how to use R
This class is meant for students who have a decent background in basic statistics. In my experience teaching it, many students don't know if they have a decent background in basic stats – that's the whole problem. So I'm going to be giving a diagnostic test a few weeks into the semester that you can take online. It will only count for 10% of your grade but if you do poorly then I would encourage you to drop the class.
Students are required to purchase access to the online Hawkes Learning System in order to take the test. This system gives straightforward explanations of each topic and then allows you to do lots and lots of practice problems, which is the best way to ensure that you learn those topics.
You should begin reviewing early. A student from last year noted, "That was my biggest mistake: I got your summer email but put it off and got behind at the beginning of the term!" Learn from other people's mistakes and do the practice problems before the semester begins.
I have set up the Hawkes System with recommended practice sections, although you can explore the other topics – there are lots of stats concepts that are good to know in general even if they're not absolutely necessary for this semester.
You will take the diagnostic test on the Hawkes System any time, so if you want to get it out of the way early you can do so, or you can wait until term. Either way you have to take the test by midnight (local time) on Tuesday September 22, 2015.
There are 2 additional practice exams – these are timed but
you can take them an unlimited number of times.
Your score will be recorded but won't count toward the grade so this is
where you can make your mistakes.
Practice #1 is a bit easier; Practice #2 is tougher than the actual
diagnostic test.
You have only one chance to take the diagnostic test before
the deadline so find a time when you have 120 minutes clear to complete it.
If you want more practice, note that each chapter has an
option to do practice problems and certifications – take advantage of
these! There is a strong positive correlation
between time spent practicing and final score.
To download the software, go to http://www.hawkeslearning.com/ – all of the directions are there. You will be asked for a "Hawkes Course ID," use CCNYSTAT. If you don't have your own computer you can use one in the computer labs on campus.
Once you're set with learning basic stats, the other way to get started on class work is to download and install the statistical analysis program R from http://www.r-project.org/ along with R-Studio http://www.rstudio.com/. If you haven't got a computer of your own, the Hawkes software is available in the CCNY computer labs. The R program and R Studio are also available there.