The University of the West Indies, Mona

Lecturer:

Mrs Kelly-Ann Hamil Dixon  kellyann.dixon02@uwimona.edu.jm
Office:RM15  Office Hours:Will be scheduled as needed
Tutorials: Mon 1-2 (SR11), Tues 3-4(SR11), Wed 10-11(SR11)

Course Description:

This module focuses on the theory and methods of making statistical inference based on nonparametric techniques.  


Learning Objectives:
 
At the end of this course students should be able to:
•    Determine when it is necessary to employ  a nonparametric method
•    Choose the appropriate nonparametric method to be used in varied situations  
•    Construct the appropriate test for given situations
•    Evaluate the conclusions for each test  


Course Assessment:

 
The final grade in this course will be based on:
i.    Group Presentation                  :   5%
(Related to Topic 3) Students will be divided into 5 groups and assigned the different subtopics to return to class and teach.  Student will be use their textbooks, OurVLE resources and PowerPoint presentation slides (provided by the lecturer) to compile their information.  Students will need to bring lecture notes (formal or informal) and examples to be worked.
The group will have to provide a Lesson Plan to the lecturer one week prior to their lecture.    ALL group members will have to be in attendance at the presentation and MUST participate.  Students from the other groups and the lecturer will ask the presenters questions.  Finally, group members will have to rate their fellow members’ participation.  This will contribute to their final presentation grade.


ii.    Vox Pop Assignments        :   5%
There will be two such assignments.  There will be one each for Topic 2 and Topic 3.   
Students will be asked to collect data and analyse it using the appropriate test.


iii.    Mid-semester examination     :  25%


iv.    Case Study                                    :     5%
Students are given a scenario with data and asked to conduct the necessary analysis.  A report is to be submitted.


v.    Quiz                                           :    5%
Students will be given different scenarios and asked to identify the correct type of analysis to be used.  This will be an online quiz which will be scheduled after the completion of Topic 4.


vi.    Final Examination        :  55%


For each assessment, in addition to the necessary calculations, students will be marked for the following:
•    General Content            
•    Management of language        
•    Organisation of thoughts        
•    General Presentation        


Course Outline :

 
1.   Introduction (Conover, Section 2.5)
•    Definition of Nonparametric Statistics / Methods
•    Advantages and Disadvantages of using Nonparametric Methods
•    When to use Nonparametric Methods
•    Revision of Hypothesis Testing

2.   Test Based on the Binomial Distribution (Conover, Chapter 3)
•    Binomial Test and Estimation of p
•    The Quantile Test and Estimation of Xp
•    The Sign Test
•    Variations of the Sign Test

3.   Tests Based on Contingency Tables (Conover, Chapter 4)
•    2 x 2 Contingency Tables
•    r x c  Contingency Tables
•    The Median Test
•    Measures of Dependence
•    The Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Test


4.  Tests Based on Ranks (Conover, Chapter 5)
•    Two Independent Samples (Mann-Whitney)
•    Several Independent Samples (Kruskal-Wallis)
•    Measure of Rank Correlation (Spearman)
•    One-Sample or Matched-Pairs Case (Wilcoxin)

5.  Selected Topics in Nonparametric Statistics



Main Textbooks:
 
Conover, W. J., Practical Nonparametric Statistics, John Wiley & Sons, 1999 (Prescribed Text)
Sprent, P. and Smeeton, N. C.,  Applied Nonparametric Statistical Methods, Chapman & Hall/CRC 2001
Lindley D. V. and Scott W. F. New Cambridge Elementary Statistical Tables, Cambridge University Press