37321 - Statistics for Data Analysis

Learning outcomes

Students will learn how to face some basic problems of statistical inference, specifically point and interval estimation and main parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Moreover, the course deal with simple and multiple regression, and sampling techniques (simple random sampling, stratified and cluster sampling).

Course contents

Some useful tools in exploratory statistics, both univariate and bivariate. Statistical ratios and index numbers. Human Develpoment Index (HDI). Indices of heterogeneity, relative variability and concentration. Linear regression and correlation. Statistical inference: point and interval estimation, testing of hypotheses (both parametric and non-parametric). Main features of sampling techniques.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Maurizio Brizzi. "Introduzione alla probabilità e all'inferenza statistica" (second edition). Printed by libreriauniversitaria.it, Limena (PD), 2014.

2) Alan Agresti "Metodi statistici di base e avanzati" (a cura di Alessandra Petrucci e Mariano Porcu). Pearson Italia, Milano, 2022.

3) Some working sheets written in English are available on request.

Teaching methods

Front lessons and class/laborarory exercise sessions.

Assessment methods

- Written examination with numeric application of the methods presented during the course (excluding sampling methods). The test is composed by three exercises: the first one concerns descriptive statistics, the second one is related to statistical inference, the third one is a test of hypothesis. The value of each exercise can range between 9 and 12 points.

- Final oral test including every topic of the course.

- Erasmus students have the possibility to take only the oral part of the exam.

- Evaluation scale:

30 e lode (A+) = excellent

29 - 30 (A) = very good

27 - 28 (B+) = good

25 - 26 (B) = fairly good

22 - 24 (C) = more than sufficient

20 - 21 (D) = fully sufficient

18 - 19 (E) = just sufficient

Teaching tools

Some working sheets (in Power Point) will be available to students, covering all the topics of the course. If necessary, teaching sheets will be available also in English and/or Spanish.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Brizzi