Student Achievement Assessment Committee

Learning Outcome

Assessment Methods

Inferences from Assessment

Actions Taken/ Program Improvements

Formulate the appropriate models for problems involving applications of regression, design of experiments and sample design; correctly analyze data arising from such applications, and explain the results in layman's terms.

Masters written comprehensive examination

Twelve (12) students took the comprehensive examination in June 2003 and 10 successfully completed the examination.  The majority of the MSAS students have demonstrated the ability to formulate models, carry out appropriate analyses, and explain the results in non-technical terms.

The Statistics Program Committee has met on a fairly regular basis to discuss ways to modify the program to help students attain this outcome.  The faculty in the department of ASOR has discussed ways to modify individual courses to help students attain this outcome.

2. Formulate the appropriate models for problems involving applications of basic mathematical statistics, properly analyze data arising from these applications, and explain the results in layman's terms.

Masters written comprehensive examination

Twelve (12) students took the comprehensive examination in June 2003 and 10 successfully completed the examination.  The majority of the MSAS students have demonstrated the ability to formulate models in mathematical statistics, carry out the appropriate analyses, and explain the results in non-technical terms.

The Statistics Program Committee has met on a fairly regular basis to discuss ways to modify the program to help students attain this outcome.

3. Correctly use popular statistical software (e.g., SAS, MINITAB, SPSS) to perform the appropriate analysis of problem dealing with regression, design of experiments and sample design, and correctly explain the results of these analyses in terms that can be understood by the layman.

Masters written comprehensive examination and class projects

Through the successful completion of the comprehensive exam and class projects, the majority of the MSAS students have demonstrated the ability to correctly use popular statistical software to analyze problems.

The Statistics Program Committee has met on a fairly regular basis to discuss ways to modify the program to help students attain this outcome.  The faculty in the department of ASOR has discussed ways to modify individual courses to help students attain this outcome.  Statistical Computing is offered again Spring 2003 and a new course on Data Mining has been introduced during Summer 2003.

Learning Outcome

Assessment Methods

Inferences from Assessment

Actions Taken/ Program Improvements

4. In the process of performing analyses of various data using different statistical procedures, the student should understand the underlying principles of the chosen method of analysis and also an awareness of the limitations inherent in the method of analysis selected.

Class projects and class examinations

Through the successful completion of class projects and exams, the majority of the MSAS students have demonstrated their understanding of the underlying principles of the chosen methods of analysis.

The Statistics Program Committee has met on a fairly regular basis to discuss ways to modify the program to help students attain this outcome.  The faculty in the department of ASOR has discussed ways to modify individual courses to help students attain this outcome.

5. Carry out the steps involved in the "inference cycle" of the scientific method (i.e., conjecture, design, experiment, analysis, inference, and repeat the cycle) through the design and analysis of individual projects appropriate for the corresponding course.  Moreover, upon completion of these individual projects students will display the ability to document the results in appropriate language.

Class projects

Through the successful completion of several class projects, the majority of the MSAS students have demonstrated the ability to carry out the "inference cycle".

The Statistics Program Committee has met on a fairly regular basis to discuss ways to modify the program to help students attain this outcome.  The faculty in the department of ASOR has discussed ways to modify individual courses to help students attain this outcome.