Statistics is the art and science of analyzing data. The Elementary Statistics course is designed to reflect actual practice, where data analysis and design of data production join with probability-based inference to form a coherent science of data analysis. The GAISE guidelines (see below) were used in designing the new curriculum.
This course focuses less on formulas and number-crunching and more on how working statisticians gather and analyze data using 21st century technology, like the TI-84 and Minitab, to tackle real-life problems. Most students find the field of statistics to be unlike most math courses they have taken. That’s because statistics is NOT a math course. It’s a separate branch of study unto itself at an increasing number of universities. In any event, most students find the problems interesting and have no problem making the connection to current events like presidential polls, racial profiling, and consumer protection.