00914 - Statistics (A-E)

Learning outcomes

The course introduces students to the main statistical methods and tools for the quantitative analysis of social and economic phenomena. The aim is two-fold: both using and interpreting statistical data and indexes. At the end of the course students: - know foundations of descriptive statistics and inference, - understand results from quantitative analysis, - are able to critically evaluate results from survey or census data, - are able to properly use the basic statistical tools for the quantitative analysis of economic and social data.

Course contents

Types of variables. Statistical units, population and sample. Collecting and organizing data. Data set and frequency distributions. Graphic representations. Mean, mode, median and quantiles. Eterogeneity, variability and inequality measures. Bivariate statistical analysis. Relationships between variables: statistical dependence, covariance and linear correlation. Simple linear regression. Introduction to sampling and statistical inference. Probability, sampling designs and probability distributions. Point and interval estimation. Hypothesis testing.

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook:

B. Pacini, M. Raggi, Statistica per l'analisi operativa dei dati, Carocci Editore (2009).

Main workbook:

L. Stracqualursi, M. Matteucci, Statistica e laboratorio, Monduzzi (2011).

Other textbooks:

B. Pacini, L. Picci, Introduzione alla statistica, CLUEB (2001).
D.M. Levine, T.C. Krehbiel, M.L. Berenson, Statistica, Apogeo (2002).

M.K Pelosi, T. M Sandifer, Introduzione alla statistica, McGraw Hill (2005).

F. Mecatti, Statistica di base - Come, quando, perché, McGraw-Hill (2010).

Other workbooks:

C. Iodice, Esercizi svolti per la prova di statistica, Edizioni Simone (2007).
L. Picci, Esercizi di statistica, CLUEB (2001).

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, practice exercises.

Assessment methods

Examination would test the following points:

• knowledge of the statstical methods introduced during the lectures

• ability in the usage of the proper statstical tools to study social, politic and economic phenomea

• competence in the interprepretation of the results.

The exam is a written test, with exercises and multiple-choice questions. The oral test is optional but the written test must be sufficient.

Teaching tools

Projector, PC, chalkboard.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Roli