Statistics and Bases of Probability Theory

lcops1114  2019-2020  Louvain-la-Neuve

Statistics and Bases of Probability Theory
Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
5 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Kestemont Marie-Paule;
Language
French
Main themes
Part 1: Descriptive statistics. This brings together methods that condense the data of a sample in a few useful characteristics or estimates. Frequency distributions, the functions of density and distribution, and parametric and non-parametric characteristics are addressed in the samples.
Part 2: Bases of probability theory. Depending on the procedure for selecting the sample, these methods ensure a link between the population and the sample. The matters addressed are the rules flowing from the Kolmogorov axiom on the calculation of total, composite and conditional probability, the quantification of events in random variables, the associated distribution of probabilities, and operational characteristics (parameters). There will also be a detailed examination of censuses of experimental schemes that generate uniform, discrete, binomial, geometric and hyper-geometric laws, and Poisson's law.
Part 3: Bases of statistical inference. To compare observations with hypotheses constructed on parameters of the population, the basic objectives are estimators, their characteristics, and their qualities of inference on simple plans.
Statistics is a science that compares data from a sample (the reality of estimates or numerical data collected while observing, or experimenting with, some of the population) with theory (a statement of abstract hypotheses on parameters of the population). For the most part, effective use of this methodological tool is acquired through work. This course is an introduction to statistics.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1. describe a sample ;
 
2. handle the bases of probability theory applied to censuses ;
 
3. identify simple sampling procedures ;
 
4. establish the operational characteristics of basis statistics (average, deviation and proportion) in these procedures ;
 
5. identify qualities that will make it possible to make inferences on parameters of the population.
 

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
This lecture is an introduction to  statistics. The statistics is the science which allows to confront data samples (observing or experimenting a subset of population) with theory (expressed by hypotheses on characteristics of population). It is the science of data analysis that applies  widely to economics, political and social sciences.

The lecture articulates around  descriptive statistics, probability theory and statistical inference (introduction).
Teaching methods
The lecture is given in 12 x 2 hours of masterful presentations (presentation of the concepts, examples of applications, problem solving) and in 11 x 2 hours of sessions of exercises in small groups, completed by an active participation of the students in readings and visualization of videos, preparation of exercises and tests of knowledge.
Evaluation methods
Written exam MCQ and/or open questions in examination session.
The examination can possibly be different between the publics COMU and HUSO / SOCA / SPOL.
Constitution of bonus points by the realization of formative MCQ to be carried out until the day before the exam and by the participation in a formative test organized during the week SMART.
Online resources
 MOODLEUCL : lecture LCOPS1114.
Bibliography
Livre de référence : Notions de statistique, Christiane Simard, 3ème édition, Modulo Inc.
Teaching materials
  • Livre de référence : Notions de statistique, Christiane Simard, 3ème édition, Modulo Inc
  • Slides disponibles sur moodle
Faculty or entity
ESPO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Population and Development Studies

Bachelor in Political Sciences: General

Master [120] in Political Sciences: General

Master [120] in Public Administration

Bachelor in Human and Social Sciences

Master [60] in Political Sciences: General

Master [120] in Political Sciences: International Relations

Bachelor in Information and Communication

Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology