00914 - Statistics (A-L)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired knowledge and understanding of basic statistical concepts necessary for conducting quantitative analyses in both descriptive and inferential contexts. They should be able to collect and interpret statistical data, applying appropriate analytical methodologies to interpret various phenomena under study. Furthermore, they should have developed the learning skills required to pursue further statistical studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Course contents

The course is structured into three modules:

1) Univariate Descriptive Statistics

• Definition of a basic data protocol

• Absolute, relative, and percentage frequencies

• Summary measures: mean, median, mode, quartiles

• Measures of variability

• Statistical ratios and index numbers

2) Bivariate Descriptive Statistics

• Definition and reading of a two-way table

• Joint, marginal, and conditional frequencies

• Measures of association between two variables: distributional dependence, mean dependence, linear dependence

• Introduction to regression and linear correlation

3) Probability and Inference

• Introduction to probability

• Probability of events

• Discrete distributions: Uniform, Bernoulli, Bnomial

• Continuous distributions: Normal and Standard Normal

• Introduction to Hypothesis Testing and Confidence Intervals

• Introduction to inference within the linear model

Readings/Bibliography

LUISA STRACQUALURSI, Elementi di Statistica, Seconda edizione, self publishing amazon, 2023, ebook o cartaceo.

LUISA STRACQUALURSI, Test di Statistica a risposta multipla, Seconda edizione, self publishing amazon, 2023, ebook o cartaceo.

SIMONE BORRA e AGOSTINO DI CIACCIO, Statistica, metodologia per le scienze economiche e sociali, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2004.

Note: the course is in Italian language, so the reference texts are in Italian too. The listed textbooks are provided for further reading, additional exercises, and clarification. They are not mandatory for understanding the course content.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered entirely online, in line with the University's guidelines on educational innovation. It combines Integrated Digital Teaching (DDI) with the Flipped Classroom methodology, aimed at promoting active, flexible, and personalized learning.

Students study theoretical content in advance through materials uploaded on Panopto and Virtuale (videos, slides, explanatory sheets), and then engage in virtual classroom sessions for in-depth discussions, exercises, and interaction with the instructor.

The course includes:

• Interactive lessons: All core topics are delivered using quizzes and slides through the Wooclap platform, accessible from smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

• Topic-specific videos and slides: Each topic is supported by video summaries (on Panopto) with detailed explanations to be watched independently before the lesson. All slides are downloadable from Virtuale.

• Self-assessment quizzes: Provided before each partial and final exam, the quizzes simulate the format of the official EOL tests. They are automatically regenerated at each attempt and offer immediate feedback, helping students track their progress.

• Guided simulations: Practice exams are conducted and discussed during the course to support progressive preparation.

Course Structure:

• 60 hours of online lessons, including synchronous and asynchronous activities

• 10 hours of tutorial support to reinforce understanding and application of course content

• 3 partial in-course tests, with the possibility of retaking one of them at a designated date

• Final exam involving the analysis of a basic real data protocol

This structure ensures full accessibility for working students, caregivers, non-attending students, and those with specific needs, reinforcing the inclusive and flexible nature of the course.

Assessment methods

Students may choose to take the partial exams during the course and/or the comprehensive final exam.

According to the SID teaching framework, the partial exams consist of three tests, one per module, plus a mandatory final exam. The final exam involves the analysis of a basic sample data protocol, with the aim of assessing the student's ability to apply statistical tools, carry out a critical analysis, and demonstrate comprehensive control over the subject matter.

To pass the exam, students taking the partial assessment path must:

• Achieve an average score of at least 18/30 across the three partial exams

• Pass the final exam

It is possible to retake one partial exam (in accordance with SID provisions) on a scheduled date that will coincide with one of the official summer exam sessions.

Alternatively, students may take the comprehensive final exam during the official exam sessions.

All exams are held in person and consist of EOL-based multiple-choice tests. During the exams, students may consult their own printed course materials, including notes, slides, and textbooks. Internet browsing and the use of electronic devices other than a calculator are not permitted.

Further details about the examination procedures are available on the degree programme website:
https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/ScienzeInternazionaliDiplomatiche/organizzazione-della-didattica and on the Virtuale platform.

Notice for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities:
Students are strongly advised to contact the University Office in charge in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students. These accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The course applies tools from Integrated Digital Teaching, providing access to:

• Interactive lessons via Wooclap

• Topic-specific video lectures with detailed explanations (Panopto)

• Multiple-choice self-assessment tests for exam preparation

• Downloadable slides, supplementary videos, and exercises (Virtuale)

Support is also provided by a dedicated tutor, who assists students in understanding the main topics through Microsoft Teams, offering both individual and group assistance.

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Stracqualursi