Sat Principles of Statistics today

[fondue]

Since I won't get my score for a few weeks I figured I'd better dump my thoughts now. WHAT A BEAR! There were 97 questions organized to give you confidence with a few easy ones then slap you around with a string huge calculation. At three hours this was the longest exam I've taken too date.

Much of the subject matter is included in IC, however I would suggest finding more examples calculating y-intercept, all of the errors, correlation and regression. I felt confident at the 70 mark, but was hit with 10 calculation in a row that left me wondering if I know anything. I even begain questioning whether to use standard deviation for the population or sample. Basically practice, practice, practice using your calculator.

One thing to note, the testing center didn't look at my calculator, which left me wishing I would've bought a better model that would do regression and everything else.

I'll let you know the outcome when it arrives, good luck to those that follow.

[snazzlefrag]

Originally Posted by fondue

Since I won't get my score for a few weeks I figured I'd better dump my thoughts now. WHAT A BEAR! There were 97 questions organized to give you confidence with a few easy ones then slap you around with a string huge calculation. At three hours this was the longest exam I've taken too date.

Much of the subject matter is included in IC, however I would suggest finding more examples calculating y-intercept, all of the errors, correlation and regression. I felt confident at the 70 mark, but was hit with 10 calculation in a row that left me wondering if I know anything. I even begain questioning whether to use standard deviation for the population or sample. Basically practice, practice, practice using your calculator.

One thing to note, the testing center didn't look at my calculator, which left me wishing I would've bought a better model that would do regression and everything else.

I'll let you know the outcome when it arrives, good luck to those that follow.

Hi Fondue,

Try not to worry about your score too much until you get the actual score report in your hand.

I felt like I got my butt handed to me on a platter by this exam too. I actually burst into tears at one point during the exam. I came home and crawled into bed for a few hours to recuperate. It was by far the hardest exam I have taken so far, and I had a horrible feeling that I might have failed it.

BUT.....my worst fears were unfounded. The 'scale' is our friend on this one. I passed EASILY. Chances are that you will too.

Fingers crossed...for now,
Snazzlefrag

[kitanis]

Heres hopping for a good score.. I am sure you did well.

I myself am going into minor panic over statistics and math Cleps.. I am studying.. but getting apprehensive with each session in either subject..

I need to re-evaluate and relax.. and just get through it I know.. but for some reason.. it is getting hard...

[dhlvrsn]

The only limit that I saw listed for the calculator is that it cannot be a graphing or programmable one...

"Principles of Statistics tests the understanding of the various topics
of statistics, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and the ability to
apply statistical methods to solve a variety of problems. The topics
included in this test are descriptive statistics; correlation and
regression; probability; chance models and sampling and tests of
significance. The use of a nonprogrammable, handheld calculator is
permitted."

No mention of not being able to bring a calculator that handles stats. In fact I've been following the advise of many on this board and learning how to use my calc to do work.

Also I don't recall seeing the difference between sample and population standard deviation covered in instantcert. Did that come up on the test? I know how to calculate from the instructions in my calculator manual but could not describe it...

[snazzlefrag]

Originally Posted by dhlvrsn

Also I don't recall seeing the difference between sample and population standard deviation covered in instantcert. Did that come up on the test? I know how to calculate from the instructions in my calculator manual but could not describe it...

Hi Dale,

Without exception, my version of the exam used sample rather than population.

Hope that helps,
Snazzlefrag

[fondue]

dhlrsn,
My interpretation of "The use of a nonprogrammable, handheld calculator is
permitted." Use the cheapest piece of junk you can find, again in hind sight I would've purchased one with more features.

Sample v. Population
Most, if not all were sample not population data used in the exam. I think IC mentions the differance.

I forgot to mention my study material in the initial post. I used a large dose of IC along with the Standard Deviants videos. My local library was nice enough to have the videos transfered. The videos are a little corny but cover the material quite well.