The Mathematical Statistics course is a more difficult sequel of the basic, introductory courses in statistics followed by most social science students in their first and/or second year. It offers insight into the theory behind a number of standard statistical procedures.
First of all, the introduction to probability theory is renewed, together with some necessary mathematical knowledge of integration and differentiation. Subsequently, random variables and their distributions are discussed, especially in terms of the concepts of expectation and variance. In addition, some functions of several random variables are treated. Finally the aim of the course is obtained by discussing sampling, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. This course offers the fundamental background that enables a student to study various methods of data analysis in more detail. It is a relatively difficult course as it uses a lot of mathematics.
If there are less than five students, the course will take an alternative form.
Coordinator
Dr. E. van der Burg
Room 3B15
Tel.: +31 (0)71 527 3766
E-mail: vanderburg@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Aim(s)
- Students will acquire practical and theoretical knowledge of Mathematical Statistics used in many data analysis methods.
Literature
Hagle, T.M. (1995). Basic math for social scientists: Concepts. London: Sage (University paper 108, Series: Quantitative applications in the social sciences).
Rice, J.A.(2007). Mathematical statistics and data analysis. Belmont, Ca.: Duxbury.
Examination
In attending the course, a student is obliged to do weekly homework. Their are graded assignments during the course and a written exam (3 hours)
From January 1, 2006 the Faculty of Social Sciences has instituted the Ephorus system to be used by instructors for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. Please see the Additional Rules and Regulations, section 6.
Requirement(s) for application or advice
Masterstudents MSc Psychology
Education method(s)
Weekly lectures
Enrolment
Introduction and enrolment for courses of the first semester will take place August 27th 2009. Introduction and enrolment for courses of the second semester will take place in January 2010. More information will be available at the website of the Institute of Psychology.
NB: Exam and re-exam registration will take place via U-Twist, and will be open between a month and a week before the (re)exam. Students who haven’t registered, cannot participate in the (re)exam.
Blackboard
Information available on www.blackboard.leidenuniv.nl