00914 - Statistics (A-L)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired knowledge and understanding of the fundamental statistical concepts required to conduct quantitative analyses in both descriptive and inferential contexts. Students should therefore be able to collect and interpret statistical data, applying the appropriate analytical methodology in order to interpret the various phenomena under investigation. They should also have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies in statistics with a high degree of autonomy.

Course contents

The course is structured into three modules:

1) Univariate Descriptive Statistics

• Definition of an elementary 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 interpretation of a two-way table

• Joint, marginal, and conditional frequencies

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

• Introduction to linear regression and correlation

3) Probability and Inference

• Introduction to probability

• Probability of events

• Discrete distributions: Uniform, Bernoulli, Binomial

• Continuous distributions: Normal distribution and Standard Normal distribution

• 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. There is currently an outdated version of my book available on Amazon (sold by third-party sellers).
If you are interested, please use only the following link to access the new official edition: 👉 https://amzn.eu/d/aL59Jjp

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. Note: The reference texts are intended solely for further reading, additional exercises, and clarification. They are not required 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, with the aim of promoting active, flexible, and personalized learning.

Students study theoretical material in advance through resurces uploaded to 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 covered using quizzes and slides in an iterative format through the Wooclap platform, accessible from smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

• Topic-specific videos and slides: For each topic, a video summary with detailed explanations is available on Panopto and should be watched independently before the lesson. All slides are downloadable from Virtuale.

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

• Guided simulations: Exam simulations 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 intermediate tests during the course, with the possibility of making up one missed or failed test on a designated date

• Final exam based on the analysis of a protocol involving real sample data

 

Connection with the United Nations 2030 Agenda — Goal 4: Quality Education

This teaching structure contributes to Goal 4 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda — Quality Education — as it promotes active, flexible, and inclusive learning through the integration of asynchronous materials, interactive lessons, self-assessment quizzes, and guided exam simulations.

The course structure supports accessibility and participation also for working students, caregivers, students who are unable to attend regularly, and students with specific needs, thereby reinforcing the inclusive and flexible nature of the learning pathway.

Assessment methods

Students may choose to take the intermediate tests during the course and/or the comprehensive exam.

In accordance with the SID teaching framework, the intermediate assessment consists of three tests, one for each course module, plus a mandatory final exam. The final exam involves the analysis of a basic protocol based on real sample data, with the aim of assessing the student’s ability to apply statistical tools, carry out a critical analysis, and demonstrate an overall command of the subject.

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

• Achieve an average score of at least 18/30 across the three intermediate tests

• Pass the final exam

It is possible to make up one intermediate test (in accordance with SID provisions) on a scheduled date that will coincide with one of the official exam sessions.

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

All exams are held in person and consist of EOL tests with multiple-choice questions. 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 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 or 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 students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their appropriateness also 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